Evaluating the Efficacy of United Nations Electoral Assistance in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 3, No. 3, March 2012 | pp. 126–134

DOI: 10.46882/2012/GJPCS/000038

Research Article

Evaluating the Efficacy of United Nations Electoral Assistance in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Amadu S. Bangura¹

¹Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Abstract: Managing competitive electoral transitions in fragile post-conflict environments represents a key pillar of contemporary international peacebuilding operations. This empirical study evaluates the institutional efficacy of United Nations electoral monitoring and logistical assistance during the consolidation phase in Sierra Leone. Using district-level voting data, security registries, and a survey matching 550 urban and rural voters, we employ multi-stage logistic regression models to analyze voter confidence and intimidation trends. The statistical results demonstrate that districts featuring direct UN security observer presence reported a 45% reduction in voter intimidation complaints (p < 0.001) compared to unmonitored border zones. However, structural equation modeling indicates that a lack of political party financing reforms reduced overall public trust in election outcomes by a factor of 1.5 ± 0.3. Quantitative findings show that voter satisfaction remained stable at 72% ± 4.5% in sectors with functional independent polling dispute mechanisms. The study recommends implementing permanent domestic dispute adjudication systems prior to international logistical withdrawal.

Keywords: electoral assistance, United Nations, Sierra Leone, voter intimidation, post-conflict stabilization, institutional trust

Manuscript Timeline: Received December 02, 2011; Revised January 15, 2012; Accepted February 10, 2012; Published March 14, 2012.

Citation: Bangura, S. A. (2012). Evaluating the Efficacy of United Nations Electoral Assistance in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 3(3), 126–134. DOI: 10.46882/2012/GJPCS/000038

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