The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) Friday organized a training for its Regional and District Election Observer Coordinators to understand the Proportional Representation or the District Block system that will be used in the June elections.
According to the Program Manager of CCSL, Rev. Moses Khanu, the purpose of the Training of Trainers (TOT) at the CCSL Hall in Brookfields, was to capacitate leaders with knowledge and skills to better understand the PR system in its simplest form so that they are positioned to transmit the knowledge to their congregations and communities.
CCSL Elections Consultant, Canon Rogers Wright gave a thorough explanation on what the Proportional Representation (PR) is, how it operates, the benefits, and how the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) calculates the allocation of seats under the PR system among others.
He gave a background on the Proportional Representation and how it was used in 1996, 2002 and how it would be used in June.
Canon Rogers Wright emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of CCSL as they work as election observers, adding that CCSL has observed elections spotlessly for many years and have earned the respect and recognition for its good work.
He mentioned that CCSL has been and is still playing a unique role in elections because the institution wants to ensure fair and credible 2023 elections.
CCSL’s Ecumenical Desk Officer, Bishop Arnold Temple advised coordinators to get their minds off previous systems of election and focus on the 2023 PR system that will be used.
He encouraged them to follow up on further programs, trainings and talk shows that will enhance proper understanding.
