The Citizens Debate Commission – Sierra Leone (CDC-SL) is a non-profit, non-governmental, and nonpartisan organization established in 2025 to strengthen democracy by institutionalizing political debates. Modeled after successful debate commissions in the United States, Canada, Ghana, and other democratic nations, CDC-SL is committed to making presidential and vice-presidential debates a permanent feature of Sierra Leone’s electoral process.
We believe debates are not just political events, but civic opportunities that empower citizens to compare candidates, evaluate policies, and hold leaders accountable. By ensuring open, fair, and issue-driven debates, CDC-SL serves as a bridge between political leaders and the Sierra Leonean electorate, fostering transparency and informed decision-making in the democratic process.
CDC-SL sponsors and produces general election debates between the leading candidates for President and Vice President of Sierra Leone, ensuring these debates are held every five years as part of the national electoral process. These debates give citizens the opportunity to compare candidates’ positions, policies, and leadership qualities in a fair and transparent environment.
In addition, CDC-SL organizes intra-party primary debates for major political parties, providing delegates and the wider electorate with a clear understanding of each aspirant’s vision, policies, and readiness to lead. This exercise strengthens internal party democracy, reduces reliance on money politics, and promotes unity by fostering transparent competition.
Beyond debates, CDC-SL engages in research, civic education, and outreach programs designed to improve the quality of political discourse and strengthen democratic culture in Sierra Leone. By giving citizens access to fair, issue-based debates, CDC-SL contributes to building an informed electorate and a more accountable political system.
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