Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1970

Enhancing Electoral Transparency in Sierra

Leone through Data Visualization and Mapping
Hamza Amin Kargbo1; Dr. Abdulai Turay2
1
Freetown Polytechnic
2
University of Sierra Leone (COMAHS)

Publication Date: 2025/05/12

Abstract: This study investigates the transformative potential of data visualization and geographic information systems
(GIS) in enhancing electoral transparency, civic empowerment, and democratic resilience within the context of Sierra
Leonea nation navigating post-conflict reconstruction and democratic consolidation. Despite commendable progress in
institutional reform, electoral processes in Sierra Leone remain constrained by limited transparency, inadequate access to
real-time information, low levels of voter education, and growing public skepticism regarding electoral credibility. As digital
technologies become increasingly integral to governance worldwide, their integration into electoral systems emerges as both
a strategic imperative and a tool for democratic renewal. To address these challenges, this research proposes and critically
examines the development of an interactive, web-based election analysis platform that leverages data visualization and
spatial mapping to present complex electoral data in intuitive, accessible formats. Utilizing a Design Science Research (DSR)
methodology, the study combines empirical data collection through stakeholder interviews, usability testing, and field
observations with iterative prototype development. The platform features dynamic dashboards, choropleth maps, candidate
profiles, and real-time reporting functionalities designed to engage a broad spectrum of users, including policymakers, civil
society actors, journalists, researchers, and the general public. Grounded in interdisciplinary literature on digital
democracy, information asymmetry, and participatory governance, this paper situates Sierra Leone democratic trajectory
within the evolving global discourse on e-governance and civic technology. The findings reveal that interactive visual tools
not only enhance electoral transparency but also foster greater inclusivity by engaging marginalized and low-literacy
populations. Moreover, the system functions as a safeguard against misinformation, providing a centralized, verifiable
source of electoral data that can inform media reporting and academic research. Ultimately, this study contributes a
replicable, context-sensitive framework for integrating digital innovation into fragile electoral environments. The proposed
model offers a scalable blueprint for electoral reform that extends beyond Sierra Leone, serving as a reference point for
other emerging democracies seeking to harness technology in the service of electoral integrity, civic engagement, and
institutional accountability.

How to Cite: Hamza Amin Kargbo; Dr. Abdulai Turay (2025). Enhancing Electoral Transparency in Sierra Leone through Data
Visualization and Mapping. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(4), 3303-3314.
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1970

I. INTRODUCTION national and local elections, has made notable efforts to fulfill
its mandate. However, its current communication methods
Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of any predominantly reliant on static reports, official bulletins, and
functioning democracy, serving not only as a procedural limited public outreach have proven insufficient in satisfying
mechanism for selecting leaders but also as a reflection of the demand for real-time, accessible, and user-friendly
public trust, civic engagement, and institutional legitimacy. In electoral data. These shortcomings have contributed to
Sierra Leone, a country that has emerged from decades of widespread voter apathy, increased public suspicion, and the
civil conflict and authoritarian rule, the commitment to proliferation of misinformation during electoral cycles,
building a resilient democratic system remains central to especially in rural and underserved regions where traditional
national development. While substantial strides have been media access is limited.
made in post-conflict governance, constitutional reform, and
multiparty electoral participation, the electoral process Amid these challenges, this paper posits that the
continues to face formidable challenges most notably, the integration of advanced data visualization and geographic
lack of transparency, timely data dissemination, and information systems (GIS) into Sierra Leone’s electoral
meaningful public participation. infrastructure offers a transformative solution. Data
visualization, in the form of dynamic charts, interactive
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), dashboards, and electoral maps, can demystify complex
constitutionally empowered to oversee the integrity of datasets and make critical electoral information accessible to

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a broad audience, regardless of literacy level or technological transparency. Moreover, voter education remains uneven,
background. GIS, meanwhile, provides a powerful tool for particularly in rural areas where literacy rates are low and
spatial analysis, allowing stakeholders to detect patterns in access to mass communication tools is limited. These factors
voter turnout, identify areas with potential for electoral contribute to a general atmosphere of skepticism and
violence, and evaluate geographic disparities in electoral disengagement, undermining democratic participation and
access and performance. institutional legitimacy.

By developing a comprehensive, web-based election This national context mirrors a broader global concern:
analysis platform, this study offers a blueprint for how how can emerging democracies effectively leverage digital
technology can be leveraged to bridge the information gap technologies to fortify electoral governance, enhance
between electoral institutions and the public. The platform is transparency, and deepen public trust? The answer lies in
designed not merely to present data but to foster interactive, adopting integrative strategies that bring together the domains
participatory experiences that allow citizens, researchers, of information and communication technologies (ICT),
media professionals, and policymakers to engage with public sector innovation, and civic accountability.
electoral information in meaningful ways. In doing so, this
research seeks to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at Internationally, several countries have successfully
strengthening democratic governance, institutional incorporated digital tools to modernize their electoral
accountability, and civic trust in Sierra Leone. systems. Brazil, for instance, has deployed nationwide
electronic voting systems that produce real-time results with
Moreover, the paper situates Sierra Leone’s case within minimal contention. India has implemented the Voter
a broader global conversation on the role of civic technology Helpline App and Election Commission portals that provide
in electoral reform. Across various democratic contexts from live updates, complaint submission channels, and
Kenya to Estonia data visualization and open election data comprehensive candidate profiles. These initiatives have not
portals have proven effective in promoting transparency and only improved operational efficiency but also empowered
public oversight. This study thus draws from international citizens to actively monitor and engage with the electoral
best practices while tailoring its approach to the socio- process.
political realities of Sierra Leone, making a compelling case
for how digital innovation can underpin democratic In contrast, many African states including Sierra Leone
deepening in fragile states. remain reliant on manual systems for voter registration, ballot
counting, and result dissemination. These outdated processes
II. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT are prone to human error, data loss, and manipulation. More
importantly, they inhibit the flow of timely and transparent
Sierra Leone democratic system operates under a information between electoral bodies and the citizenry.
multiparty structure enshrined in the 1991 Constitution and
reinforced by the recently enacted Public Elections Act of Bridging this digital divide necessitates an integrative
2022. This legal framework outlines the responsibilities and strategy one that converges ICT, robust data infrastructure,
operations of key electoral institutions such as the Electoral participatory governance models, and a commitment to open
Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties data principles. The deployment of data visualization and
Registration Commission (PPRC), and the judiciary. These mapping tools represents a critical component of this strategy.
institutions are tasked with ensuring credible, transparent, and Such tools can convert complex electoral data into intuitive
inclusive electoral processes that reflect the will of the formats that are easily digestible by the general public. They
people. However, despite the existence of this robust also enable spatial and temporal analysis, allowing
constitutional infrastructure, the country continues to grapple stakeholders to uncover patterns and trends that inform policy
with systemic weaknesses that compromise electoral integrity decisions and democratic reforms.
and public confidence.
Within this context, the proposed digital platform for
Recent electoral cycles have been characterized by election analysis in Sierra Leone aims to provide a scalable,
contentious outcomes, delayed result declarations, and user-centric solution that aligns with global trends while
widespread allegations of vote tampering and irregularities. addressing local challenges. By doing so, it seeks to
Civil society organizations and election observers have reposition Sierra Leone as a forward-looking democracy that
frequently cited limited public access to reliable and embraces technology not just as a tool, but as a pillar of
disaggregated electoral data as a major impediment to governance and accountability.

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Fig 1 Current Data Request and Provision Process at the ECSL

III. LITERATURE REVIEW rooted in the transparency of processes and the public’s
perception of fairness and legitimacy. When citizens perceive
The intersection of electoral governance and digital electoral data as opaque or manipulated, trust in institutions
innovation has emerged as a critical domain of scholarly deteriorates, often giving rise to political unrest and declining
inquiry in recent decades, particularly as democracies voter participation. In fragile democracies like Sierra Leone,
worldwide seek to reconcile traditional electoral processes such risks are exacerbated by systemic information
with the demands of an increasingly digital and data-driven asymmetries and limited digital infrastructure.
society. Academic discourse increasingly recognizes that the
credibility of elections is no longer determined solely by the The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral
procedural conduct on election day, but by the transparency, Assistance (IDEA, 2021) underscores the potential of
accessibility, and responsiveness of electoral institutions information and communication technologies (ICTs) in
across the entire electoral cycle. mitigating these challenges. By facilitating real-time access
to electoral data, promoting citizen monitoring, and
Norris and Frank (2018) argue that electoral integrity is enhancing institutional responsiveness, ICTs serve as
not only a function of formal legal compliance but is deeply powerful enablers of electoral accountability. Furthermore,

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they allow for the democratization of information flows, the straightforward adoption of digital election technologies.
ensuring that electoral knowledge is not monopolized by elite Bøås and Dunn (2003) highlight the enduring influence of
actors or gatekeepers. identity politics, ethno-regional affiliations, and historical
grievances on electoral administration. These sociopolitical
A growing body of research explores the specific utility dynamics often undermine the perceived neutrality of
of data visualization tools in enhancing political electoral institutions and make citizens more susceptible to
communication and democratic engagement. According to misinformation and manipulation. Therefore, any
Mansilla and Abascal (2020), visual representations of visualization tool intended for deployment in Sierra Leone
electoral data significantly improve cognitive processing, must go beyond technical excellence; it must be culturally
enabling citizens to better understand complex datasets and adaptive, socially responsive, and institutionally grounded.
make informed decisions. Visualization formats such as
choropleth maps, interactive dashboards, time-series graphs, Moreover, a gap persists in the literature regarding the
and heatmaps can reveal hidden trends in electoral behavior, operationalization of these technologies in low-resource,
voter turnout, and party performance. These tools have been post-conflict settings. Most existing studies are based in
effectively deployed in countries like Kenya, where the middle- or high-income democracies with relatively robust
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ICT ecosystems. As such, there is a pressing need for
has utilized layered dashboards to increase transparency and scholarship that examines how data visualization and GIS
foster trust during national elections. tools can be contextualized and implemented within fragile
democracies facing infrastructural deficits and limited digital
Similarly, GIS-based electoral monitoring systems in literacy.
Nigeria and South Africa have proven instrumental in
providing early warning signals for electoral violence. These This study addresses that gap by offering both a
systems allow electoral commissions and security agencies to conceptual framework and a practical model for the
visualize risk zones, allocate resources more efficiently, and integration of visualization tools into Sierra Leone’s electoral
respond proactively to emerging threats. The integration of governance architecture. It draws from interdisciplinary
geospatial analytics with electoral data also facilitates the sources including political science, information systems,
identification of marginalized regions, thus informing geography, and development studies to build a
equitable policy interventions and targeted civic education. comprehensive understanding of how digital tools can
recalibrate the relationship between electoral institutions and
Despite these global advances, the Sierra Leonean the electorate.
context presents a unique set of challenges that complicate

Table 1 Summary of Key Literature on Electoral Governance and Digital Innovation

Author(s) Key Argument Relevance to Study
Norris & Frank Electoral legitimacy is deeply tied to transparency Supports the need for accessible, trusted electoral
(2018) and citizen perception. data to build institutional trust.
IDEA (2021) ICT tools enhance accountability by reducing Validates the rationale for using tech-based
information asymmetry. platforms to support election oversight.
Mansilla & Visual data increases cognitive comprehension Justifies use of visualizations to improve voter
Abascal (2020) and political awareness. understanding of electoral outcomes.
Bøås & Dunn Identity politics complicate election neutrality in Emphasizes the need for context-sensitive,
(2003) fragile democracies. culturally adaptive systems in Sierra Leone.
World Bank Data visualization can combat misinformation Reinforces the platform’s role in real-time, verified,
(2021) and promote inclusive governance. and decentralized information.

IV. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK requires continuous and informed civic engagement

throughout the electoral cycle. This theory emphasizes the
The conceptual underpinnings of this study are critical role of access to information in enabling citizens to
grounded in a multidisciplinary theoretical framework that participate meaningfully in governance processes. According
integrates insights from political science, information to Barber (1984), a robust democracy is one in which citizens
systems, and socio-technical design. Specifically, the analysis are active co-creators of political outcomes rather than
is informed by three interrelated perspectives: Participatory passive recipients of state decisions. In this regard,
Democracy Theory, Information Asymmetry Theory, and the transparency, accountability, and inclusivity are not abstract
Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. These ideals but operational prerequisites for democratic vitality.
frameworks collectively inform the rationale, design, and
anticipated impact of the proposed electoral analysis In the context of electoral governance, participatory
platform. democracy demands that electoral data such as voter turnout,
candidate profiles, party manifestos, and polling station
 Participatory Democracy Theory outcomes be made readily accessible in formats that are
Participatory Democracy Theory asserts that democratic intelligible to a diverse population. Data visualization serves
legitimacy extends beyond the periodic act of voting; it this function by transforming complex, technical datasets into

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interactive and comprehensible visual formats that facilitate  Integrative Perspective
public scrutiny, deliberation, and participation. Thus, the By synthesizing these three perspectives, this study
proposed platform operationalizes participatory democracy positions the proposed electoral analysis platform not as a
by democratizing access to electoral information and creating standalone technological innovation, but as a socio-technical
pathways for real-time civic engagement. intervention designed to recalibrate the relationship between
electoral institutions and the citizenry. It affirms that
 Information Asymmetry Theory technology, when guided by democratic values and
Information Asymmetry Theory, originally developed in developed through participatory methodologies, can serve as
economics, is concerned with situations in which one party in a powerful tool for institutional transformation. This
a transaction possesses more or better information than the theoretical triangulation provides the foundation for the
other. In governance, and particularly in elections, such platform’s design logic and justifies its anticipated impact on
asymmetries can distort the fairness and efficiency of political electoral governance in Sierra Leone.
processes. A lack of timely and accurate information creates
vulnerabilities that can be exploited by political elites, V. METHODOLOGY
thereby undermining institutional accountability and public
trust. This study adopts a mixed-methods research design,
embedded within the Design Science Research (DSR)
Akerlof’s (1970) seminal work on the “market for paradigm, to systematically develop, implement, and
lemons” demonstrates how poor information flows can lead evaluate a digital electoral analysis platform tailored to the
to suboptimal outcomes. Applied to electoral governance, this Sierra Leonean context. The methodology is structured
theory suggests that if citizens are deprived of transparent around the iterative DSR cycle, which emphasizes problem-
electoral data, they may base their decisions on rumors, solving through the construction and rigorous assessment of
biased media, or ethnopolitical affiliations rather than factual innovative artifacts. The combination of qualitative and
evidence. The consequence is a weakened electoral mandate quantitative approaches allows for a holistic understanding of
and potential democratic backsliding. both the sociopolitical landscape of electoral governance and
the technical requirements of the proposed system.
The visualization platform proposed in this study
functions as a corrective mechanism to these asymmetries by  Research Design and Framework
providing a centralized, transparent, and publicly accessible The Design Science Research framework, as outlined by
repository of electoral information. It equips all stakeholders Hevner et al. (2004), comprises six core activities: problem
voters, journalists, policymakers, civil society organizations, identification, objectives of a solution, design and
and international observers with equal access to the same development, demonstration, evaluation, and
data, thereby leveling the informational playing field and communication. This methodology was selected for its
enhancing electoral accountability. emphasis on generating practically relevant knowledge
through artifact creation, which aligns with the dual goals of
 Design Science Research (DSR) this research: (1) to address the identified lack of transparency
The methodological approach of this study is guided by and data accessibility in Sierra Leone’s electoral processes,
the principles of Design Science Research (DSR), a paradigm and (2) to develop a functional, user-centered platform that
used primarily in information systems to develop and responds to these gaps.
evaluate artifacts that solve real-world problems. As
articulated by Hevner et al. (2004), DSR focuses on the  Data Collection and Analysis Phases
iterative construction of innovative, purposeful artifacts The research was conducted in four interlinked phases:
including models, methods, and systems that are rigorously
evaluated for utility and effectiveness.  Problem Identification
The study began with an extensive document analysis
DSR is particularly well-suited to the complex, of official reports from the Electoral Commission for Sierra
multidisciplinary nature of electoral governance challenges in Leone (ECSL), election observation mission findings (e.g.,
Sierra Leone, where solutions must be technologically sound, ECOWAS, AU, and EU), media content, and civic society
socially acceptable, and institutionally feasible. By following publications from the 2012, 2018, and 2023 general elections.
the DSR process, this study ensures that the proposed This phase also incorporated a review of public feedback
platform is not merely a theoretical construct but a functional, gathered from forums, social media commentary, and
context-sensitive artifact that addresses specific electoral grievances submitted to ECSL and civil society
organizational and societal needs. platforms.

This approach involves identifying a relevant problem This analysis revealed recurrent themes, including poor
(electoral opacity), defining objectives for a solution information dissemination, lack of real-time data access,
(transparency, accessibility, and engagement), designing and limited voter awareness, and the perception of electoral bias
developing a system prototype (the election analysis problems that the study seeks to address through
platform), demonstrating its functionality, and evaluating its technological innovation.
impact through stakeholder feedback and usability testing.

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 Requirements Elicitation devices, especially low-cost mobile phones commonly used
To further ground the system design in local realities, in rural Sierra Leone.
semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 key
stakeholders, including:  Evaluation
The prototype was subjected to usability testing
 10 ECSL personnel (data analysts, voter education through a series of structured workshops involving 25 end
officers, regional coordinators), users across four stakeholder categories. Evaluation metrics
 8 civil society representatives (from organizations such as included:
National Elections Watch and the Campaign for Good
Governance),  The System Usability Scale (SUS) to quantitatively
 6 political journalists from leading news outlets, assess user experience,
 6 university students with prior involvement in student  Scenario-based navigation exercises to test real-world
elections. application and interpretability,
 Post-session surveys and focus groups to gather
The interviews focused on user needs, data access qualitative insights on design, functionality, and perceived
limitations, preferred visualization formats, language and impact.
accessibility concerns, and trust dynamics between the public
and electoral institutions. Thematic analysis of the transcripts SUS results averaged 82.1, indicating high user
was performed using NVivo software to identify functional satisfaction. Participants highlighted ease of navigation,
and non-functional system requirements. clarity of visualizations, and the empowering nature of real-
time access to electoral data.
 System Design
Based on the findings from the elicitation phase, a  Ethical Considerations
responsive web-based prototype of the Electoral Analysis The research protocol received ethical approval from
Platform for Sierra Leone (EAP-SL) was developed. The the University of Sierra Leone Research and Ethics Review
design emphasized the following features: Board. All participants were informed of their rights,
provided with consent forms, and assured anonymity and
 Interactive dashboards presenting voter turnout, results confidentiality. Data was securely stored, and only
by region, party performance, and candidate aggregated, anonymized results were used in reporting.
demographics. Participation was entirely voluntary, with no financial
 GIS-based maps displaying spatial trends in voting inducements offered.
behavior, election disputes, and polling center logistics.
 Customizable filters allowing users to sort data by VI. SYSTEM DESIGN AND FEATURES
region, gender, age group, and election year.
 Multilingual interface with audio narration options for The Electoral Analysis Website for Sierra Leone
inclusivity. (EAW-SL) is a purpose-built, interactive digital platform
designed to enhance transparency, accessibility, and civic
The backend was developed using a PostgreSQL engagement during electoral cycles. Its architecture reflects a
database integrated with Python-based analytics and the deliberate emphasis on functionality, inclusivity, and
Mapbox GIS API. The frontend utilized HTML5, CSS3, and scalability, ensuring that users across a broad socio-
JavaScript frameworks to ensure responsiveness across demographic spectrum can effectively interact with and
interpret electoral data.

Table 2 Summary of EAW-SL Platform Design Features

Component Functionality
Data Aggregation Consolidates and normalizes election data from ECSL, civil society, and media sources.
Engine
Visualization Suite Renders interactive graphs, charts, and maps for voter turnout, party performance, and incidents.
User Interface Layer Mobile-first, multilingual, and audio-supported interface for inclusive and intuitive access.
Participation Module Enables real-time reporting, discussion forums, and gamified civic education tools.
Security Infrastructure Includes HTTPS encryption, role-based access, 2FA, and real-time monitoring for data integrity.
Backend Architecture Python (Django), PostgreSQL with PostGIS, React.js, and Mapbox API for data management and
rendering.

The platform incorporates four primary components,  Core Functional Modules

each playing a critical role in transforming static election
information into actionable insights.  Data Aggregation Engine
The platform’s foundation is a Data Aggregation
Engine that consolidates electoral data from multiple reliable
sources. These include the Electoral Commission for Sierra
Leone (ECSL), accredited media outlets, and civil society

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organizations. The engine automates data ingestion, cleaning,  Time-series graphs tracking voter turnout and party
and normalization, ensuring that all datasets are accurate, up- performance over multiple elections,
to-date, and consistent across formats. It accommodates both  Bar and pie charts illustrating demographic breakdowns
structured (e.g., CSV, JSON) and unstructured data (e.g., and regional voting patterns,
reports, observer narratives), making it adaptable to evolving  Choropleth maps offering spatial analysis by
information ecosystems. constituency and district (Figure 2).

 Visualization Suite These visualizations are interactive and support real-

The Visualization Suite enables users to explore time updates, allowing users to drill down from national
complex datasets through intuitive, dynamic visual formats. summaries to local polling station data. Each graphic is
The system supports: designed with accessibility in mind, incorporating colorblind-
safe palettes and tooltip annotations.

Fig 2 2012 Election Results Visualization on the EAW-SL Platform

Source: Developed by Hamza A Kargbo, October 2023

 User Interface Layer The interface prioritizes ease of navigation, with drop-
The User Interface (UI) is designed for optimal down filters, search functionality, and context-sensitive
usability in Sierra Leone’s low-bandwidth and multilingual guidance. Low-data consumption modes allow users in rural
environment. Key features include: areas to access core features without extensive loading times.

 Responsive mobile-first design, ensuring compatibility  Participation Module

across smartphones, tablets, and desktops, To encourage active civic involvement, the platform
 Language toggle options (English, Krio, Mende, includes a Participation Module featuring:
Temne),
 Audio narration for accessibility among users with  Discussion forums to stimulate debate on political issues
limited literacy. and policies,

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 Real-time incident reporting with geolocation and These features position the EAW-SL not merely as a
media upload capabilities, data portal but as an inclusive civic tech ecosystem that
 Gamified voter education tools to enhance political empowers informed participation.
literacy, particularly among youth and first-time voters.

Fig 3 Chairperson Candidate

Source: Developed by Hamza A Kargbo, October 2023

Fig 4 Presidential Contender Information on the EAW-SL Platform

Source: Developed by Hamza A Kargbo, October 2023

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 Security Architecture  Technical Stack
Given the politically sensitive nature of electoral data, The backend system is built using:
the platform integrates advanced security features, including:
 Python (Django) for backend logic and RESTful APIs,
 HTTPS encryption for all data transmissions,  PostgreSQL integrated with PostGIS for spatial data
 Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to differentiate user handling,
permissions (e.g., admin, analyst, public user),  Mapbox API for dynamic geospatial rendering,
 CAPTCHA and two-factor authentication (2FA) to  React.js and D3.js for front-end responsiveness and
prevent bot access and unauthorized logins, visualization.
 Daily data backups and real-time server monitoring for
system resilience. This stack ensures flexibility for future feature
integration, real-time data manipulation, and geographic
These protocols are compliant with international data scalability across electoral cycles.
protection standards and are tailored to minimize
vulnerabilities common in fragile digital infrastructures.

Fig 5 Electoral Analysis Platform (EAP-SL). It could Demonstrate how users can Interact with and Filter Electoral Data
Source: Developed by Hamza A Kargbo, October 2023

VII. FINDINGS AND USER FEEDBACK cases, such as identifying regional voter turnout disparities,
tracking political party performance across constituencies,
The evaluation phase of the Electoral Analysis Website and reporting electoral incidents. A post-task survey collected
for Sierra Leone (EAW-SL) involved structured usability feedback on several usability indicators:
testing and feedback collection from a purposive sample of
70 respondents, drawn from key stakeholder groups,  91% of users reported that the choropleth maps and
including civil society organizations, journalists, university interactive dashboards significantly improved their ability
students, ECSL staff, and grassroots community leaders. This to understand voting patterns, especially in identifying
phase was essential for assessing both the functional regional political strongholds and demographic voting
performance of the system and its broader implications for trends.
civic engagement, usability, and public trust in electoral data.  87% indicated that the platform increased their trust in
electoral outcomes, citing enhanced data visibility, the
 Quantitative Findings presence of multiple data sources, and the ability to
Participants interacted with the prototype through independently verify information through drill-down
structured scenario-based tasks simulating real-world use charts and downloadable datasets.

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 78% stated that they were very likely to use the platform manner, it helps users understand election-related
during future elections, both as a source of information information without needing advanced analytical skills.
and a civic engagement tool.  Public Trust: By reducing informational asymmetry and
promoting transparency, the platform fosters greater trust
The System Usability Scale (SUS) score averaged 82.1, in electoral processes and institutions. This transparency
placing the platform in the “excellent” usability category and is crucial in convincing the public that the election results
indicating high levels of satisfaction with navigation, are fair and accurate, thereby strengthening the legitimacy
responsiveness, and information architecture. of electoral outcomes.
 Civic Engagement: Particularly among digitally active
 Qualitative Insights youth, women, and first-time voters, the platform
In-depth interviews and open-ended feedback from stimulates informed and proactive political participation.
participants provided additional layers of insight into the It empowers these groups by providing them with the
perceived strengths and areas for improvement. Several tools and information they need to engage in the electoral
themes emerged: process and make informed decisions.

 Accessibility and Inclusivity: Respondents, particularly These insights affirm the platform’s potential not merely
those from rural and low-literacy backgrounds, as a technical tool for data dissemination but also as a
emphasized the importance of localized features. The strategic enabler of democratic deepening in Sierra Leone.
availability of audio narration in Krio and the The fusion of intuitive graphical interfaces with mobile-first
multilingual toggle were described as “transformative,” design principles ensures that even those in bandwidth-
making the platform accessible to populations often constrained environments can benefit from seamless access
excluded from formal electoral discourse. to election-related visualizations. Moreover, the inclusion of
 Mobile Compatibility: Given the high reliance on audio narration in Krio and the multilingual toggle
smartphones in Sierra Leone, participants appreciated the exemplifies the platform's commitment to accessibility and
mobile-first design and low data consumption inclusivity, transforming the way underserved populations
optimizations. Users operating on 3G networks reported engage with electoral content.
seamless access to visualizations and map interfaces, even
in bandwidth-constrained environments. In essence, the platform stands as a testament to how
 Civic Empowerment: Many first-time voters expressed sophisticated technological solutions can bridge gaps in
that the platform gave them a newfound sense of agency. political literacy, enhance civic empowerment, and foster a
By visualizing historical data, campaign promises, and more participatory and transparent electoral landscape. The
incident reports in one location, the system was viewed as ability to visualize historical data, campaign promises, and
a powerful civic education tool capable of countering incident reports in one location transforms the user
disinformation and stimulating informed political experience, making it a powerful civic education tool.
participation. Additionally, the platform's data provenance tools and
 Data Transparency and Verification: Journalists and source-tagging features promote data verification, which is
civil society observers praised the inclusion of data vital for combating misinformation during high-stakes
provenance tools and source-tagging features that allow election periods. Users have expressed a desire for real-time
users to trace information back to ECSL releases or features such as live election updates, provisional results, and
accredited observers. This transparency was noted as vital social media sentiment analytics, which could further
for combating misinformation during high-stakes election enhance the platform's utility during live electoral events.
periods.
 Desire for Real-Time Features: While most users were VIII. DISCUSSION
satisfied with the platform's static and historical data
visualizations, a recurring suggestion was the The findings of this study affirm the transformative
incorporation of real-time updates during live elections, potential of data visualization and spatial mapping tools in
including provisional results, live incident maps, and enhancing democratic processes and public trust in electoral
social media sentiment analytics. institutions. These results are consistent with global research
suggesting that the deployment of visual analytics in electoral
 Summary of Impacts contexts serves as more than a tool for data dissemination it
These insights affirm the platform’s potential not only acts as a catalyst for informed engagement, transparency, and
as a technical tool for data dissemination but also as a institutional accountability.
strategic enabler of democratic deepening in Sierra Leone.
 Visual Tools as Drivers of Trust and Inclusion
The findings collectively indicate that the integration of The strong user preference for choropleth maps,
data visualization and mapping significantly enhances: interactive dashboards, and trend visualizations echoes
international best practices in electoral innovation. As
 Informational Clarity: The platform enables users to make observed in contexts such as Kenya’s Independent Electoral
data-driven interpretations of electoral events, and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) portal and Brazil’s
simplifying complex datasets into accessible visual electronic voting dashboards, visual tools demystify
formats. By presenting data in a clear and comprehensible electoral data, enabling lay citizens to interpret complex

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results, detect irregularities, and participate in political and governmental ICT units, may impede adoption.
discourse with increased confidence. Bureaucratic culture, concerns over data control, and
political interference are known barriers to digital
In Sierra Leone, where literacy rates are uneven and transformation in public administration.
traditional media often fail to provide real-time data, visual  Budgetary Constraints: The development, maintenance,
platforms serve a democratizing function. They reduce the and scaling of a sophisticated digital platform require
cognitive load associated with interpreting tabular data and sustained financial investment. Given the competing
allow users to engage with content through intuitive graphical priorities in Sierra Leone’s national budget, securing
interfaces. This shift toward visual literacy enabled by long-term funding either through public-private
mobile-first design and audio narration—broadens partnerships or donor support will be essential.
participation to groups traditionally marginalized in political  Digital Literacy Gaps: While mobile penetration is high,
processes, including women, rural dwellers, and low-literacy digital skills remain limited among large segments of the
populations. population. A parallel strategy focused on digital civic
education will be necessary to ensure meaningful usage
 Spatial Mapping and Electoral Equity across demographic groups.
The GIS component of the platform emerged as a  Data Governance and Privacy: As electoral data
particularly powerful feature, not merely for its aesthetic becomes increasingly granular and publicly available,
appeal but for its analytical and political significance. By issues around data protection, user consent, and ethical
mapping voter turnout, party dominance, and reported usage must be addressed through clear legal and
incidents across regions, the platform exposed patterns that institutional frameworks.
were previously hidden in raw datasets. Users were able to
identify marginal constituencies, visualize urban-rural  The Way Forward
disparities, and initiate discourse on representation equity To navigate these challenges, the study recommends a
and resource allocation issues often overlooked in national phased, inclusive implementation strategy anchored in
policy debates. capacity-building partnerships with academic institutions,
civic technology organizations, and international
Such spatial visibility has important implications for development agencies. Universities can play a key role in
electoral reform and governance. It enables civil society data literacy and system training, while donor agencies can
actors and electoral bodies to tailor interventions such as provide funding and technical expertise to support scale-up
voter education or logistics deployment based on and sustainability.
geographically grounded evidence. It also empowers citizens
to hold institutions accountable by demanding targeted Furthermore, embedding the platform within the formal
solutions in areas consistently underserved. communication strategy of the ECSL can institutionalize its
use and ensure it becomes an integral part of Sierra Leone’s
 Countering Electoral Misinformation electoral architecture, rather than a temporary pilot initiative.
A key contribution of the platform lies in its role as a
countermeasure to electoral misinformation, a growing IX. POLICY AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
threat to democratic stability in both established and
emerging democracies. The platform’s ability to aggregate,  To Institutionalize the gains of Digital Visualization in
verify, and disseminate official data from multiple sources Electoral Governance, we Recommend:
(ECSL, civil society, media) provides a centralized and
trusted information ecosystem that challenges rumors and  Policy Integration: The ECSL should adopt a Digital
speculative narratives, particularly during sensitive periods Data Disclosure Policy mandating real-time public access
such as vote counting and result announcements. to key electoral metrics.
 Public-Private Partnerships: Engage tech startups and
Participants from the journalism sector noted that access universities in platform maintenance and innovation.
to live datasets and source-tagged visualizations not only  Legal Safeguards: Enact legislation ensuring data
improved the accuracy of their reporting but also elevated transparency and privacy protection.
public confidence in media outputs. Similarly, civil society
 Civic Training Programs: Incorporate platform
actors indicated that the platform could serve as a tool for
navigation modules into voter education curricula.
evidence-based election monitoring, reducing reliance on
anecdotal or partisan accounts. These steps not only enhance transparency but also
prepare the electoral system for the demands of digital-age
 Implementation Challenges and Institutional democracy.
Considerations
Despite its promise, the full-scale implementation of the
X. CONCLUSION
EAW-SL platform faces a range of systemic challenges that
must be proactively addressed: This study has highlighted the profound potential of data
visualization and geospatial mapping tools in transforming
 Institutional Inertia: Resistance to innovation within electoral transparency, promoting civic empowerment, and
established institutions, such as electoral commissions fostering participatory governance in Sierra Leone. In a

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Volume 10, Issue 4, April – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1970
political environment historically characterized by limited [5]. Norris, P., & Frank, M. (2018). Why elections fail.
data accessibility, low public trust, and uneven civic Cambridge University Press.
engagement, the development of a user-centered Electoral https://doi.org/10.1017/9781139680727
Analysis Website (EAW-SL) represents a forward-thinking [6]. World Bank. (2021). Using data visualization to
intervention tailored to the country’s unique democratic promote transparency, accountability, and citizen
challenges and digital realities. engagement.
https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/docu
By leveraging interdisciplinary frameworks spanning ments-reports/documentdetail/500261631182635498
participatory democracy theory, information asymmetry, and
design science research this research has not only proposed a
novel technological solution but also contextualized it within
the socio-political and infrastructural fabric of Sierra Leone.
The resulting platform is more than a repository of electoral
data; it is a civic engagement ecosystem that equips citizens,
journalists, civil society actors, and policymakers with the
tools to make informed decisions, engage in evidence-based
discourse, and hold institutions accountable.

Findings from pilot testing underscore the platform’s

potential impact. Users reported increased trust in electoral
outcomes, a clearer understanding of voting trends, and a
willingness to engage more actively in future electoral cycles.
Moreover, the spatial mapping features enabled users to
explore regional disparities and advocate for more equitable
policy responses, illustrating the system's utility beyond
elections alone.

Yet, the success of such a platform hinges on more than

technological soundness it requires institutional buy-in,
sustained funding, data governance policies, and ongoing
civic education. As Sierra Leone moves toward future
elections, it must reimagine digital tools not merely as
administrative enhancements but as strategic imperatives for
democratic resilience.

The future of credible elections will not be measured

solely by the tallying of votes, but by the visibility,
interpretability, and integrity of the processes that produce
those votes. Embracing digital innovation is not optional it is
essential for ensuring that elections are not only conducted,
but truly understood and trusted by the people they serve.

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