The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone was in attendance at the Electoral Risk Management Stakeholders Workshop conducted by the Electoral Commission (ECSL) and the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance in Sierra Leone on Thursday 22 September, 2022.

 

Risk management is the identification, analysis, assessment control and avoidance, minimization, or elimination of unaccepted risks.

 

The workshop which was held at The Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel was in attendance by some Technical Staff of ECSL, State Agencies, Traditional and Religious Leaders, CSO’s and Media Advocacy group’s working on election observation and conflict prevention.

 

The workshop seeked to raise awareness on electoral risks and promote effective inter-agency collaboration in the electoral process and identify a roadmap for addressing electoral emerging risks in the country.

 

The workshop was important because I understood the strives being taken by ECSL to avert risks related to the electioneering process, as when electoral risks are not understood and addressed, they can undermine the credibility of the process and the results it yields, Jane Williams, Protection and Communication Officer,  Human Rights Defenders Network, Sierra Leone.

 

The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of electoral risks, analysis and mitigation methods, as participant’s learnt about electoral risk management methodology and use the supporting documents designed to enhance users understanding of electoral and structural risk factors, as well as possible actions that can be taken to prevent and mitigate election related violence.

A representative from The German Embassy said they were impressed by the process so far.

The German government is impressed by your determination to strengthen your institutional capacities in identifying and responding to possible risks before, during and post elections.

Patrick Johnson, from the German Embassy said, “Such a holistic approach will ensure that citizens trust both the process and eventual this all important elections.”

 

The International IDEA developed the Electoral Risk Management Tool (ERMTools) to support electoral management bodies (EMB) who seek to adopt or improve their risk management processes. Implementation of the ERMTools helps user organizations in attaining improved understanding about electoral risks, developing situational awareness and making well informed and conflict sensitive electoral decisions.