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• Terms of reference for the Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2007 General Elections in Sierra Leone

Terms of reference for the Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2007 General Elections in Sierra Leone

The Group is established by the Commonwealth Secretary-General at the request of the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone. It is to observe relevant aspects of the organisation and conduct of the General Elections which are scheduled to take place on 11 August 2007, in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.

The Group is to consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole. It will determine in its own judgement whether the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Sierra Leone has committed itself, with reference to national election-related legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth and other international commitments.

The Group is to act impartially and independently and shall conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the International Declaration of Principles to which the Commonwealth is a signatory. It has no executive role; its function is not to supervise but to observe the process as a whole and to form a judgement accordingly. In its Final Report, the Group is also free to propose to the authorities concerned recommendations for change on institutional, procedural and other matters as would assist the holding of future elections.

The Group is to submit its report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will forward it to the Government of Sierra Leone, the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, the leadership of the political parties taking part in the elections and thereafter to all Commonwealth Governments.