Authors :
Hamza Amin Kargbo
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/ybteawaf
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr2113
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study explores Sierra Leone's electoral landscape, with a focus on the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone
(ECSL) and the need for transparent, accountable elections. It traces the country’s democratic journey, identifying both
challenges and opportunities. The research emphasizes enhancing election integrity and inclusivity through voter education
and strong electoral integrity measures.
The primary objective is to develop an election analysis website, providing stakeholders and citizens with up-to-date
electoral information, data visualization, and voter education resources. By improving access to electoral data, the website
aims to empower citizens and promote informed decision-making.
Through a rigorous examination of the ECSL’s functions and electoral laws, this study contributes to academic research
on electoral systems and governance. Its practical implications extend to policymakers, electoral stakeholders, and the
public, fostering democratic governance and increasing public trust.
In conclusion, this research advocates for a more transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral system in Sierra Leone
by utilizing data-driven electoral analysis and implementing an election analysis website.
References :
- International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). (2021). Electoral System Design: A Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies. Retrieved from: https://www.ifes.org/sites/default/files/electoral-system-design-a-handbook-for-electoral-management-bodies.pdf
- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). (2021). Electoral Integrity: Global Standards, Local Practices. Retrieved from: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/electoral-integrity-global-standards-local-practices.pdf
- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). (2021). Voter Education: Key Principles for Effective Voter Education. Retrieved from: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/voter-education-key-principles-for-effective-voter-education.pdf
- Maloka, E., & Salisu, M. (2020). The Role of Election Monitoring and Observation in Strengthening Electoral Democracy in Africa: A Case Study of Sierra Leone. Journal of African Elections, 19(1), 126-150.
- Norris, P., & Frank, M. (2018). Why Elections Fail. Cambridge University Press.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2021). Enhancing Electoral Integrity: A Guidebook on Techniques and Practices. Retrieved from: https://www.electionguide.org/election_guides/resource/3659/
- World Bank. (2021). Data Visualization for Development: Key Lessons from 10 Projects. Retrieved from: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/33385/9781464814315.pdf
- World Bank. (2021). Using Data Visualization to Promote Transparency, Accountability, and Citizen Engagement A Toolkit. Retrieved from: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/18492/Using0data0visual0eng.pdf
- Kumar, V. (2019). Mapping Elections: Election Management Bodies and Territorial Considerations. Electoral Studies, 62, 102095.
- Mansilla, L., & Abascal, E. (2020). Electoral Visualization: The Visualization of Electoral Results. In Handbook of Electoral Behaviour. Routledge.
- Bøås, M., & Dunn, K. C. (2003). Politics of origin in Africa: Autochthony, citizenship and conflict. African Affairs, 102(408), 189-210.
- Bratton, M. (2008). Voting and Democratic Citizenship in Africa. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
- Global Integrity. (2018). Sierra Leone: Assessment of Political Financing. Retrieved from https://www.globalintegrity.org/research/sierra-leone-assessment-of-political-financing/Detailed Description of the Problem
- Collier, P., Elliott, L., Hegre, H., Hoeffler, A., Reynal-Querol, M., & Sambanis, N. (2003). Breaking the Conflict Trap: Civil War and Development Policy. Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
- Norris, P. (2014). Why Elections Fail. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- UNDP Sierra Leone. (2019). Enhancing Political Participation and Gender Equality in Sierra Leone. Retrieved from https://www.sl.undp.org/content/sierraleone/en/home/library/democratic_governance/enhancing-political-participation-and-gender-equality-in-sierra-.html
- Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 28(1), 75-105.
- Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2015). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. Pearson.
- Prasad, A., & Heales, J. (2019). Design Science Research for Information Systems. Springer.
- Methodology
- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
- Yin, R. K. (2017). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
- Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson.
- Fink, A. (2014). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper. Sage Publications.
- Booth, A., Papaioannou, D., & Sutton, A. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. Sage Publications.
- Hart, C. (2018). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. Sage Publications.
- Sierra Leone-Specific Sources:
- National Electoral Commission Sierra Leone. (n.d.). Official Website: nec-sierraleone.org
- Sierra Leone Telegraph. (n.d.). Online News Portal: sierraexpressmedia.com
- Awoko Newspaper. (n.d.). Newspaper Website: awoko.org
- Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL). (n.d.). Official Website: carl-sl.org
- Sierra Leone Web. (n.d.). Online Platform: sierra-leone.org
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2013). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Sage Publications.
- Krippendorff, K. (2018). Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology. Sage Publications.
- Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press
This study explores Sierra Leone's electoral landscape, with a focus on the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone
(ECSL) and the need for transparent, accountable elections. It traces the country’s democratic journey, identifying both
challenges and opportunities. The research emphasizes enhancing election integrity and inclusivity through voter education
and strong electoral integrity measures.
The primary objective is to develop an election analysis website, providing stakeholders and citizens with up-to-date
electoral information, data visualization, and voter education resources. By improving access to electoral data, the website
aims to empower citizens and promote informed decision-making.
Through a rigorous examination of the ECSL’s functions and electoral laws, this study contributes to academic research
on electoral systems and governance. Its practical implications extend to policymakers, electoral stakeholders, and the
public, fostering democratic governance and increasing public trust.
In conclusion, this research advocates for a more transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral system in Sierra Leone
by utilizing data-driven electoral analysis and implementing an election analysis website.