Ambassador's Speeches

Amb Hull launches voter education programs implemented by NDI.

US Embassy, Freetown

National Democratic Institute
Press Conference December 8, 2006
Ambassador Hull Remarks

     I am delighted to participate with you today to launch two voter education programs being implemented by the National Democratic Institute known as NDI.  Our contribution reflects the concern and commitment of the Government and people of the United States of America for the democratic process for a strong, vibrant democracy in Sierra Leone.

     As Sierra Leone moves toward elections in 2007, preparations are being made for a successful transition and a new president and Parliament. Those elections, and the campaigns that precede them as well as the transition that follows, will be watched closely by the United States as an indication of Sierra Leone’s progress in moving to greater democracy.  As the National Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Registration Commission establish the way forward, the political process must be respected by all concerned through non-interference in election preparations; by tolerance of all political parties everywhere in the country; and by education of the electorate through a genuine and vigorous debate of the issues.  The progress of election preparations is encouraging, but must be sustained right through the local elections for District and Town Councils in 2008.  The American Embassy will work with the Commissions, the UN, and others to assure that the playing field is as level as possible for all candidates.

     We are pleased that Parliament approved the Boundary Delimitation outline submitted by the NEC last week.  This demonstrates a commitment to democracy and increases the accountability of elected representatives.
 
     Both programs that we are launching today were designed in coordination with the NEC and will complement their efforts throughout the country.  We are pleased to work with NDI through the Embassy’s USAID office in implementing the two programs.

     The first is funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  It supports the Disabled Awareness Action Group or DAAG which helps organizations under its umbrella to conduct voter education campaigns and activities to reach a marginalized population.  The casualties of war, combined with the prewar disabled population, make Sierra Leone one of the countries with the highest rates of people living with disabilities in the world.  They are often excluded from Sierra Leone’s political, electoral, economic and social life as highlighted this last week during commemorations of the International Day of Disabled Persons.  DAAG’s efforts will make sure they are not left out of the elections and that people living with disabilities have a means to voice their concerns and influence the decision making process.

     The second program is funded by the United States Government through its National Endowment for Democracy program and implemented by NDI.  The National Endowment for Democracy is based in Washington DC and receives money from the United States Congress directly for hundreds of grants to support pro-democracy groups throughout the world.  Through NDI’s efforts, the people of Sierra Leone will practice their right to freely determine their own destiny.   Voter apathy, a lack of accurate information about the new voting boundaries and procedures, and high levels of illiteracy, increase the need for an effective voter education campaigns well in advance of Election Day.  Civil society organizations can play a vital role in preparing citizens for the impending elections through voter education campaigns at the national, regional and local levels.  Some of those organizations taking up the challenge are here in the room and I applaud your work.

     Elections are but one element of democracy, but without them a country cannot be democratic.  They are also a measure by which we take the temperature of democracy to gauge the health of a country.  Democracy cannot be achieved through a single election and need not be based upon the model of the United States or any other particular country.  Rather, it evolves according to the needs and traditions of diverse political cultures.  As Mr. Demeter outlined, Sierra Leone has overcome much in the last decade and these elections will further strengthen the weave of the fabric of society.
 
     The United States and others in the donor community are working in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone to address the causes of conflict through the Poverty Reduction Strategy that we all committed to at the Consultative Group meeting.  In the current parlance of development, Sierra Leone is still rebuilding from the devastation of war and we look forward to the day when Sierra Leone becomes fully self-reliant with a respectable standard of living for its citizens.  The work we do collectively will bring that day closer, but its fulfillment will depend on the commitment of all Sierra Leoneans to the task.

Thank you.  And now, I officially launch these voter education programs implemented by NDI.