There is growing debate on whether or not to make local government elections non-partisan in Sierra Leone. The debate comes as the government conducts a review of the Decentralization Policy as approved by cabinet.

Since local governance was reintroduced in 2004 with expectations that it would facilitate development, especially at the grass root level, analysts have expressed concern that it has been more of a curse than a blessing for millions the indigenous Sierra Leoneans due to what they describe as the politicization of community development initiatives. 

Over the weekend, SierraEye, a Media organization owned by private legal practitioner Basita Michaels held a televised discussion on the issue. Patrick Sallia monitored the event and reports from Freetown.