By Alhaji Haruna Sani
With support from the European Union, the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is conducting four-day BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections) training for staff of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The training, which brings together ECSL staff from various departments, including finance, IT, and human resources aims to enhance professionalism and uphold international best practices in electoral administration.
Mawusi Dumenu, Programme Officer for Elections at International IDEA, highlighted that the initiative aligns with ECSL’s strategic five-year plan, which concluded last year. He emphasized that the BRIDGE training focuses on ethics, values, electoral cycles, and overall professionalism in election management.
Given that some ECSL staff members have not previously undergone such training, he underscored its importance, recommending that similar programs be included in the orientation process for new staff.
He further noted that International IDEA has supported ECSL for over two decades, including during the 2018 and 2023 elections.
Gavin Thompson Weise, Electoral Advisor for the EU Governance Programme (implemented by DAI), commended International IDEA and ECSL for facilitating that globally recognized training. He announced that the program would also be extended to the provinces to ensure broad participation.
Enrico Sborgi, Policy Manager for Elections and Human Rights at the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening electoral institutions in Sierra Leone. He referenced the deployment of EU Election Observation Missions since 2018 as a key contribution toward transparent, fair, and inclusive elections.
Speaking at the event, Albert S. Kanu, Electoral Commissioner for the North-West, urged ECSL staff to take full advantage of the training, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring credible leadership selection.
Similarly, Abubakar Koroma, Electoral Commissioner for the North, praised the international trainers for their expertise. He recalled a previous ECOWAS-supported BRIDGE training on results management and emphasized that the current program is crucial for institutional strengthening and the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
He stressed the need for inclusive participation across all levels of ECSL staff and encouraged attendees to remain engaged throughout the training.
