Written question asked by Neil Coyle (Labour) on Thursday, 22 June 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 June 2023 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 June 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sierra Leone: Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help (a) prevent intimidation and (b) encourage free and fair political campaigning in Sierra Leone.

Answer: The UK regularly raises good governance, rule of law and the importance of free, fair and peaceful elections with Government, opposition and key stakeholders in Sierra Leone. The Foreign Secretary has highlighted these messages, including with the President and opposition leader, during and since his visit in March 2023. The UK has been promoting peaceful political dialogue between and within communities through civil society, and voter education through media. On 21 June, the British High Commission coordinated a press statement with international partners, calling for people to refrain from violence and reject divisive, hateful language. The High Commission is deploying on-the-ground observers across the country throughout the election period.

Secondary information