ENHANCING SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT ACROSS ETHNIC … · 2020. 1. 21. · dialogue...

SEPTEMBER 2019

ENHANCING SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT ACROSS ETHNIC AND POLITICAL LINES

HYBRID PROJECT EVALUATION AND BASELINE REPORT

SIERRALEONE

DR ALPHAEUS KOROMA, SAMUEL BYRNE & SORIE KARAMA

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS4 ACRONYMS

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

5 Key Findings

7 Major Recommendations

8 INTRODUCTION

9 Background to the Project

11 Objectives of the Survey

11 METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS

11 Methods of Data Collection and Tools Used

12 Individual Interview

12 Focus Group Discussion (FGDS)

13 Key Informant Interviews (KII)

13 Documentary Analysis and Searcg Reports

13 Study Area

13 Limitations

3

14 FINDINGS

14 Characteristics of the Sample

15 Evaluation Criteria

15 Relevance

17 Effectiveness

26 Efficiency

28 Baseline

31 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

31 Conclusion

32 Recommendations

32 Evaluation

34 Baseline

35 APPENDICES

4

ACRONYMSAPC ALL People’s Congress

BVA Budget versus actual

CAP Constituency action plan

CBO Community-based Organization

CDC Chiefdom Development Committee

CFM Country Finance Manager

CSO Civil Society Organization

FBC Fourah Bay College

FGDs Focus Group Discussions

INGRADOC Institute of Gender Research and Documentation

KII Key Informant Interviews

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MP Member of Parliament

MSWGCA Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs, Social Welfare

NEC National Elections Commission

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

SLANGO Sierra Leone association for Non-Governmental Organization

SLP Sierra Leone Police

SLPP Sierra Leone Peoples Party

THM Town Hall Meeting

TOR Terms of reference

TOT Training of trainers

TV Television

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIn 2018, while Sierra Leone was preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections, Search for Common Ground initiated a project and received funding from a donor to implement activities in selected constit-uencies. Every effort made to implement the Hybrid project geared towards accountability through social dialogue and political engagement. Most importantly, political violence at that time was rife. But that could not prevent Search from reaching the constituents. As the project was about creating a platform to support the right MP candidates into office, the basis of accountability was established through Community Action Plans (CAPs) together with the voters.

Following the implementation of the first phase of this project, an evaluation was conducted with sample re-spondents from almost all constituencies the project targeted. It will interest anyone who is concerned about the accountability of elected MPs especially at constituency level, to learn from the results of the evaluation conducted by an independent institution (Inspiration Lifeline). This report captures key findings some of which serve as a benchmark for the next phase of the project.

Key Findings

Project Effectiveness

Outcome 1: MP Accountability

• 61% of the respondents were political party supports, followed by 21% who were party members while the rest of the 18% are either neutral or cannot tell their political affiliation.

• Through the Town Hall Meetings (TMHs) Search Hybrid project facilitated the interface between voters from various political parties and ethnic background, and elected MPs to discuss development programs for their constituencies.

• 23 out of every 28 respondents admitted that they know their Member of Parliament (MP).

• 45.5% of the respondents indicated that their MPs have never talked to them about constituency de-velopment funds compared to 43.2% who admitted that their MPs normally talk to them about the same funds.

• 45% of the respondents admitted that MPs take responsibility to discuss about their constituency development.

6

• More than half (55%) of the respondents interviewed are aware of development programmes under-taken by MPs within their constituencies.

• 31% of the respondents became aware of constituency development programmes through their MPs and 30% were informed by local radio stations.

• 59% account for respondents who had knowledge of meetings held by their MPs.

Outcome 2: Voters knowledge of MPs policy and plan

• Of those who claimed to have participated in political debates 36% (n=225) were representatives of political parties, while 34% (n=225) were mere observers.

• CAPs were developed by MP candidates together with voters after the 2018 elections.

• 41% of the respondents reported that they were aware of their MPs’ CAPs.

• 38% of the respondents indicated that public engagements such as THM with the MPs could be one way to hold them accountable.

• 52% of the respondents strongly agreed that there are complaint mechanisms in case of any issue of MP not owning up to their promises made to the constituents.

• 46% of the respondents believed that their MPs could deliver on their campaign promises.

Outcome 3: Citizens engagement

• 43% of the respondents admitted that they were in constant touch with their MPs.

• 43% of the respondents admitted that their MPs normally hold meetings with them.

• 85% of the respondents were of the opinion that meetings were open to every member in the constit-uencies.

Project Efficiency

• Hybrid project was implemented with no compromise in terms of finance management.

• The project fully met the organization’s financial requirements.

• The approach demonstrated value for money with quality outputs delivery hence, the project was ef-ficiently implemented.

7

Baseline

• 64% of the respondents were of the view that youth or women-led organizations within their constit-uencies have CAPs.

• Majority (61%) of the respondents acknowledged that THMs were organized in their constituencies.

• Majority (74%) of the respondents specified that their MPs do visit their constituencies.

Major Recommendations

Capacity Building (Communities & CSOs)

• Strengthen community capacity to have their buy in to the idea of holding their own sessions (THMs) without the intervention of Search.

• It is imperative for Search to enhance voters’ capacity on their role in accountability processes after election.

• Search should build the capacity of CSOs and other key stakeholders (local authorities, youth leaders, women leaders etc.) on the concept of accountability and how to apply it.

Community Engagement

• Search should facilitate post-election engagement revolving around constituency development pro-grammes and accountability. This means that Search should explore potential funding opportunities to support the implementation of the CAPs.

• Search should not only focus on the 28 constituencies but, should continue to support THMs in other constituencies.

8

M&E

• Search should consider to create a whole M&E unit to support programme quality effectiveness, ad-vocacy, communication, research and publication.

• Capacity assessment to be done among community-based structures to better determine organizations to partner with for sustainability.

• Search to ensure comprehensive documentary of success stories resulting directly from the intervention of this Hybrid project.

• Search should consider reviewing the indicators used to measure capacity of youth and women-led organizations.

Search Interventions

• Search should consider similar interventions targeting local councils to strengthen performance in service delivery.

• Identify some organizations (CBOs NGO & CSOs) with good practices to take an active part in the implementation of the project.

• Ownership and sustainability should be promoted among community-based organizations to serve as oversight.

• Search to work with key stakeholders to facilitate community managed THMs in constituencies.

• Strong consideration should be made during the second phase of the project to maximize the partic-ipation of the voters.

INTRODUCTIONSearch for Common Ground (also called Search) is an international peace building organization with the aim of transforming the way individuals, groups, governments and companies deal with conflict, away from

9

adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. With headquarters in the USA and Belgium, the organization is established in 35 countries including Sierra Leone. Search programming designs and imple-mentation are multifaceted. The organization uses an array of tools; some of which are media and training to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviours.

In Sierra Leone, Search has been supporting peace and development efforts since 2000. Key areas the orga-nization has been supporting are, the rule of law, reducing electoral violence, promoting women and youth rights, access to land and natural resource rights, ex-combatant reintegration, reinstating state and local au-thorities and anti-corruption campaign. Search is believed to have attained high respect with track record in Sierra Leone for media content. In fact, the organization is commendable for the manner in which they penetrated the airwaves with credible and unbiased information with their popular programme “Talking Drum Studio”.

Search has proven track record of bringing candidates from all major political parties in one place with an extensive media network coverage for disseminating of debates, and political discourse leading to 2018 pres-idential, parliamentary, and local council elections. Part of what the organization did at that time include, regular programing on a network of 27 community radio stations. Learning from a project evaluation in 2012 recognised that publicizing candidates’ debates corresponds to significant improvement in the political knowledge of voters, ultimately influencing their voting behaviour.

Background to the project

When the government of former President Earnest Bai Koroma lifted the ban on political campaigns, politi-cal tension, especially between the incumbent and the opposition party was a big issue. Apart from that, there was a high sense of political division along ethnic and political party lines. Citizens became very keen looking forward to who will be their next leaders in parliament. Even though structures have been established as foun-dations to enhance democratic processes, there was a need to prevent further divisions while making sure the right people are elected through a fair process. Like many other African countries, politicians in Sierra Leone hardly engaged voters on policy matters during their election campaigns. This indicated that there was a need for political engagement and social dialogue to trigger actions that would be a premise for accountability. To contribute to better governance of constituencies through citizens’ participation, Search implemented a proj-ect in selected constituencies across the country.

In September 2017, Search started a project with funding received from Wellspring to contribute to better governance of constituencies through increased citizen participation in the democratic process in Sierra Le-one. This was part of preparation that led to the March 2018 general elections in Sierra Leone. The project

10

was to end in June 30th 2019. As the project required citizen’s participation in the governance processes for improved political engagement, accountability and development spending, various activities have been carried out on participation in order to achieve the stated objectives and goal. The project is entitled “Enhancing social dialogue and political engagement across ethnic and political lines”. During the implementation, 45 debates were documented and disseminated openly in 27 constituencies for parliamentary elections. This was done to enhance social dialogue and political engagement in the communities where Search implemented the project, across ethnic and political lines within communities where access to information on political candidates and of course, accountability of politicians is very limited.

Activities implemented are merely foundation to connect citizens and their elected MPs, through dialogue platforms that will serve to shape combined community actions for accountability and advocacy. A third phase of this project is presumed to be underway given the indicative period in the TOR: April 25, 2019 - Oc-tober 24, 2020. During this no cost extension period, it is perceived that Search will work with stakeholders to monitor the implementation progress of agreed Constituency Action Plans (CAPs), continue to provide platforms for dialogue and collaboration, and work to leverage radio programmes for a strengthened outreach that promotes more engagement and access to information.

The third phase of the project responds to the demand of the beneficiaries who in the first phase, requested additional support to enable community-led post-election transparency mechanisms plus, increased number of platforms for collaboration between their communities and MPs. Moreover, the organization intends to add in a learning component and examine the effectiveness of project dialogue activities with insignificant variations such as venue, invitation style etc.

In order to understand the barriers, incentives and avenues for citizens increased participation and involve-ment in the democratic processes as well as MPs engagement with their constituents, Search hired consul-tants to carry out an assessment in the areas served by the project. It is based on this background, that the organization conducted an evaluation of the first phase (pre-elections and post elections) of Hybrid Project. The study conducted also helped to track progress that has been made since the first phase of the project and determine what could be done to improve on the second phase of the project. Data corresponding to the in-dicators in the log frame of the third phase were also collected to establish baseline values for future projects.

Aim

The aim of the project is to contribute to better governance of constituencies through citizens’ participa-tion. This is meant to be achieved through project outcomes as given below.

Excpected Outcomes Phase 1

1. Candidates’ have increased accountability in their constituencies.

11

2. Voters are better informed of their candidate’s policy plan in the targeted constituencies.

3. Citizens engage in constructive political debate in the targeted constituencies.

Excpected Outcomes Phase 2

1. Youths- and women’s-led CSOs have increased capacity to serve as watchdogs and promote. account-ability in the post-election environment.

2. Increased Engagement between newly elected MPs and citizens is strengthened.

Objectives of the Survey

This study was based on the following objectives:

1. To generate baseline data for the Phase 2 Project indicators.

2. To assess the relevance/appropriateness of project as perceived by the target groups.

3. To assess the effectiveness of the project in achieving desired results.

4. To examine how the project has been able to support CSOs to promote monitoring of CAP initiatives being implemented by the MPs in the various constituencies.

5. To identify the major challenges and lessons learned in terms of project implementation process, mechanism, achieving results and local ownership.

METHODOLOGY AND LIMITATIONS

Methods of Data Collection and Tools Used

The consultants used questionnaires, focus group discussion (FGD) guides, individual interviews schedules, and occasional non-participant observation were conducted. In addition, the impersonal data required obser-

12

vation, documentary analyses, and informal discussions was conducted. The use of this variety of method-ological tools enabled the consultants and team generate data from various sources, triangulate and validate it.

The consultants applied a mixed research approach/method for this study since it is more or less ethnographic in nature. This allows qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Participatory techniques was applied during the field data collection process. The methods and tools used are briefly described below.

Individual Interview

This method served to solicit perspectival data from individuals that mainly include the voters who pre-sumably participated in community screening and Town Hall Meetings. In the community, religious leaders as well as women group leaders were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were designed in a manner that motivated the subjects to freely appraise the enumerators and demonstrating their en-gagement in the programme. The questionnaire developed was used to survey a sample size of 723 voters, 99% of whom voted during the 2018 general elections. On the average 26 voters were selected and inter-viewed per constituency for generalization purposes. The initial sample size (660) calculated by Search was raised to the above in anticipation that there might be a need to replace faulty questionnaires.

The survey was conducted at households within the constituencies reached by the project. Since digital devices were used to administer the questionnaire, the survey questions were developed on an online application called Magpi. The consultants used android soft-touch phones as a data quality control mech-anism and to track the location of enumerators.

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs):

The focus group discussions (FGDs) were designed by the consultants to capture group dynamics in the way the voters conceptualised and interpreted political dialogue across ethnic lines and MPS account-ability in their various constituencies. This is one of the participatory methods and/or tools used. FGDs were conducted to collect quality data in all 8 constituencies where town hall meetings were held. Two (2) FGDs were conducted in each of the 8 sample constituencies, resulting in a total of 16 FGDs con-ducted; 8 women exclusive groups and 8 mixed groups of both sexes. The FGDs composed of women and men of voting age from different social classes, political interests and ethnic groups. Discussants for each FGD ranged from 5 to 12 persons. Each FGD was conducted by a facilitator and note taker who use semi-structured interview guides to engage the participants. At the end of the discussion the notes or re-sponses were transcribed for analysis. Since group dynamics is absent during individual interviews which yields a single person’s perspective that is unchallenged or supported during the interview itself, hence the consultants decided to use this tool/method in order to triangulate findings from the community.

13

Key Informant Interviews (KII):

Interviews were conducted with key informants across 27 constituencies in 13 districts in Sierra Leone. Among them include individuals from relevant institutions who took part in the project as well as other stakeholders in the respective constituencies. Key informant of interest include the following; MPs, Party representatives, CSOs monitoring the CAP, Staff of Search, Local chiefs, National Electoral Commis-sion (NEC) District Representatives, Station Managers of Community Media Houses / Radio Stations, Women leaders, Youth leaders etc. KIIs were conducted through one-and-one interviews by consultants. In some cases voice recorders were used to make sure full details of the informants’ responses were cap-tured. Interview questions were semi-structured to allow for probing.

Documentary Analysis and Search Reports:

While interviews and FGDs generated experiences as constructed by the voters, the analysis of relevant documents, particularly those that relate to THM, CAPs and Search reports were reviewed and analysed to validate the information about the project. The consultants conducted a desk review with a focus on relevant project documents such as Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan, project proposal, CAPs, monitoring reports, project progress reports etc.

Study Area

The survey was conducted in 27 constituencies, 13 districts in all the five regions across the country: the Western rural constituency 109 which comprises of Deep Eye Water; Devil Hole; Hastings; Yams Farm and Rokel, in the South; Bo (constituency 079, 081, 083, 087, 088), Bonthe (constituency 091), Moyamba (con-stituency 096), and Pujehun (099, & 100) for the North West Port Loko 070, 075), Kerene (constituency 66); the North Bombali (constituency 33); Kionadugu (constituency 44); Tonkolili (constituency 49), and in the East Kenema (constituency 012, 016) and Kailahun (constituency 001, 003, 004, 006, 009) districts.

Limitations

Like all other surveys or research work, this one has its limitations:

• With regards to accessing key personnel like the MPS who were very key to this survey, some of them were misinformed about the nature of the evaluation and became reluctant to participate in the process.

14

• Disbursement of funds was not timely to engage in field work. As a result, the study took more time.

• Reaching out to some of the constituencies was not easy because of the terrain and the means of trans-portation to get there. Telephone contacts for some of the mobilizers were not easily reached. This re-sulted in rescheduling appointments with some of the MPs and communities that were difficult to reach within the time stipulated for the study.

• The sensitivity of the project theme “enhancing social engagement across political and ethnic lines” and some of the tools used created some suspicion from the MPs and their supporters. This may have affected the result of the study conducted.

FINDINGS

Characteristics of the Sample

The survey was undertaken in 28 constituencies across 12 districts nationwide. After several attempts, the consultant was unable to conduct the interviews in 066/Karene because all the contact points including the community mobilizers and MPs were inaccessible. When disaggregated by gender, data shows that more men (55.9%) than women (44.1%) respondents were surveyed and the response rate was 100% - meaning that every respondent consented to be interviewed. Different age groups were interviewed, the majority (33.9%) being respondents within the age range 26 to 35 years. Other age groups interview are respondents within 36 to 45 years (25. 9%), 18 to 25 years (18.9%), 46 to 55 years (13.7%) and 55 years and above accounting for 7.6%.

Among the respondents interviewed those whose education level stopped at secondary account for 34.7% compared to 31.4% with non-formal education, 10.5% with primary education while 14.6% are either univer-sity or tertiary education and 6.75% lack formal education. Analysis of survey data further shows that more than half (62.1%) of the respondents were found to be married and almost a quarter (24.8%) of respondents were observed to be single. Almost every respondent (99.3%) interviewed had once voted. In relation to re-spondents’ affiliation to political party, a little above 60% account for respondents who were political party supporters, followed by 21% who were party members. The rest could be found on figure 1 below.

15

supporters, followed by 21% who were party members. The rest could be found on figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Field Survey, October 2019

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation criteria for this assignment were predetermined by Search to get a thorough grasp of the project and the progress made by the organization. The criteria used were based on the following: a) Relevance; b) Effectiveness and; c) Efficiency of the project.

Relevance

At constituency level, strong evidence exists to confirm that with Hybrid project, interventions that brought voters from different political parties and ethnic groups were implemented. Key interventions areas focused on social dialogue, and political engagement. Prior to the general elections held in March 2018, Search had reached at least 45 constituencies on 13 administrative districts across the regions of Sierra Leone. Findings of the studies have shown that about 45 community screening debates were con-ducted and 35 user friendly CAPs. The debates were meant to create platforms for social dialogue while the CAPs are accountability measures for successful MP candidates. These actions contributed extremely to the current political awareness constituents are experiencing. The consultants observed that having active voters in the CAP making process is good for governance. By this means, Search project has helped to promote the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of elected MPs in their constituencies hence

16

the project is very relevant.

Before now, it is believed that MPs were not accountable to the people. Citizens are aware that once elected, MPs hardly visit their constituencies. Although there were reported cases of MPs not visiting their constituencies, discussions with key informan revealed that Search has been a credible facilitator in the political engagements in the 28 constituencies. To make the election process fair to the MPs and the voters the evaluation found evidence to confirm that the project created platform for social dialogue and political engagement. Discussions with mixed and women exclusive groups have shown that youth and women alike participated in the engagement process leading to the election of MP candidates. It was fur-ther confirmed through discussions with key informants that MPs had developed good intention through the social engagement to boost young people’s participation. According to a key informant among the MPs, youth and women are recognised in constituency development activities.

Civil society organization (CSO) participation in the project is good because it fosters transparency of MPs activities. Search organizing THMs provides for the political education of the constituents; through participation, electorates can gain the confidence that comes from shared control of actions and what kind of development activities to expect from their elected MPs. The inclusion of youths in the project is very good given the demographic situation in the country wherein there are more youths in our society. The inclusion of women is of critical importance since this can help to address structural inequalities

Since search is helping to build common ground for electors and the MPs, this has helped in promoting CAP effectiveness. Political dislogue provides the best possible scenario for effective sustainability and implementation of the MPs CAP and this has helped to promote accountability of MPs to the voters.

Creating a platform for dialogue and capacity building of some MPs like in the case of constituency 001 through Search was phenomenal. Lessons sharing across the constituencies has been significant activity of search had resulted in considerable awareness on accountability and development among voters.

In conclusion, Search project has brought together voters from various political parties and ethnic back-grounds into the THMs to listen to their elected MPs on their development programs for their con-stituencies. In an interview, the Project Office of this project emphatically brought to the attention of the consultants that their fears about violence was completely dismissed after observing the violecen free conduct of all THMs. In addition, youth groups especially in constancy 001 where an indepen-dent female candidate successfully used Search platform to pass on her political agenda, expressed that Search contributed greatly to bringing in to governance their MP candidate who was initially denied political symbol by the ruling party. Impressively, there was no sense of tension among supporters of the incumbent MP and the independent MP at the time of the evaluation. From the consultants’ technical observation, the resources Search put into this project significantly made impact in the communities. The reason being, the strategies applied produced results in different forms. For example, the combination of various actors in this project (MPs, voters, CSOs, the media, community lenders, women and youths) were attributed to the high achievement of the THM which was purposively for social dialogue and MPs

17

accountability at constituency level. In adition extra effort was made to create WhatsApp group for social interaction, sharing and learning among MPs. This platform was functional even after the first face of the Hybrid project. In fact, this medium was used to communicate the entrance of the consultants and team in the communities to the MPs.

The catalytic factor here is that voters always want to see their elected representatives and to engage them in dialogue that will bring development in their constituencies. Search the this project, vividly promoted and encouraged political dialogue cross ethnic and political lines in all the 28 constituencies. Anccount of the current political stability given by youth groups in most of the constituencies gives very convincing evidence to confirm that the Hybrid project was very relevant to addressing the needs related to social dialogue and political engagement before and after the elections of MPs.

Effectiveness

Outputs delivery for Hybrid project was found to be very good. Evidence at the disposal of the consultants shows that with the exception of 3 outputs, all other project outputs were fully (100%) delivered within the period of the project. According to the Project Officer, the reason why these outputs were not fully delivered has to do with the change of target from 35 to 29. This in anyways did not suggest the targets were achived faster. The project followed their plan and delivered outputs in line with the plan. Please see Table 01

Key outputs delivered by result areas

Key Outputs / Actions Target Total Reach Variance %

Expected Outcome 1: Increase Candidates accountability to their constituencies

Output 1.1 Organize and record debates 45 45 0 100%

Output 1.2Organize 1 day Round table Meeting with MPs who partici-

pated in the debates1 1 0 100%

Output 1.3 Record and Air Advertisement 45 45 0 100%Expected Outcome 2: Voters are better informed of their candidates’ policy plans in targeted constituenciesOutput 2.1 Identify and mobilize community mobilizers 80 80 0 100%Output 2.2 Recruit and conduct refresher training for Screening teams 1 1 0 100%Output 2.3 Mobilize and deploy logistics for Screening 6 6 0 100%Output 2.4 Conduct Public Screening of debates 45 45 0 100%Output 2.5 Broadcast Debates on radio partner stations 45 45 0 100%Output 2.6 Radio Broadcast and report on town hall meeting discussions 35 29 6 83%Output 2.7 Disseminate DVD to Cinemas and Monitor Screening 90 90 0 100%

Expected Outcome 3: Citizens engage in constructive political debate in the targeted constituencies

18

Output 3.1 Conduct dialogue sessions of debates in Constituencies 45 45 0 100%Output 3.2 Create Social Media Debate platforms 4 4 0 100%Output 3.3 Social Media Dissemination 1 1 0 100%

Output 3.4Organize Constituency Policy Dialogue Town Hall Meetings

with MPs and Stakeholders35 29 6 83%

Output 3.5Develop and distribute user friendly Constituency Action

Plans - CAPs35 29 6 83%

Table 1: Updated Result Matrix, Project Report, July 2019

Outcome 1: Candidates’ have increased accountability to their constituencies

Knowing a member of parliament is one of the key ways voters can easily identify who represents them in par-liament. On that note, the degree of MPs familiarity was tested while assessing their accountability. At con-stituency level MPs are well known by their constituents. Field data from the survey shows that in general 23 out of every 28 respondents admitted that they know their MP. This is confirmed by 89% of the respondents in this survey. Although in 30% of the constituencies including 001, 003, 004, 006,027,070, 081 and 100, 100% of the respondents have either met or heard of their MP. The lesson to learn from these constituencies could be based on familiarity and social interaction of the MPs. Most importantly, the consultants observed that in these constituencies the elected MPs were the choice of the people. In constuency 001 for example, the constituents supported the independent candidacy of their MP elect. Even without symbol from any political party, the voters stood firm to their MPs election in to parliament.

When voters were asked further whether their MP talks to them about constituency development fund, 45.5% of the respondents indicated that their MPs have never talked to them about constituency development funds compared to 43.2% who admitted that their MPs normally talk to them about the same funds while 11.4% said they are not sure. However, few MPs that are exceptionally recognized by respondents in their constituencies for talking to them about constituency development funds are within constituency 100 (100%), 001 (97%), 081 (97%), 004 (85%) and 003 (75%). See table in appendix. The reason while these constituencies recognized their MPs is related to close interaction that exist amongs them. In Pujehun district (constituency 100) for example, a key informant mentioned that the young people and women alike had good rapport with their MPs. This is the constituency where the MP openly revealed to the constituents the funds he received to run an office. Similarly in Kailahun distruct (constituency 001) evidence exist to report that the MP candidate is in cordial relationship with the people.

To further support this, the evaluation found MPs engagement strategy centred on young people including women. Much as they are needed to support MPs in constituency development activities, youth and women are considered as key target groups. Discussions with key informants revealed that there is good intention among MPs to boost young people’s participation. Findings through one and one discussions show that youth and women are recognised in constituency development activities. In light of that, at least 1 MP mentioned

19

that youth groups were set up for income generating activities while another said, women in his constituency were engaged in agricultural work.

“My engagement strategy cut across both the youths and women in this constituency, and I think that they are the focal targeted people. Therefore, should be involved in

what ever activities in the constituency” Hon L.

Conversely, some of the MPs are having challenges with young people because of their low capacity. The good news the discussions noted however shows that close collaboration exists among some of the MPs. The consultants learnt from discussion with one of the MPs that, another MP was consulted to help address the issue of unqualified youth who are helping to teach in schools within his own constituency

With the exception of these 5 constituencies, findings from the field showed that the vast majority of the sampled constituencies (MPs) need to do more for their constituents to know about their constituency devel-opment funds. Notably, the performance of constituencies 109 which is 1%, 079 which is 5% and 024 which is 7% are very abysmal. The reasons some of the respondents gave for MPs poor performance are associated with their party allegiance and some were not the choice of the people.

“The project did not help us to choose a better leader because the current MP was never their choice but given symbol for the political connection the MP had”.

Jeneba K, FGD women group

For example, in one of the poor performing constituencies (024), participants in a focus group (FGD) brought to the attention of interviewers a preferred MP candidate who was denied party symbol because he could not afford the cost of party delegates to participate in the primary elections. Similarly, a Town Chief in another poor performing constituency (079) supported the MP’s poor performance because according to him, the PM needs to recover the funds he spent to campaign before considering their constituency development needs.

Furthermore, 45% of all the respondents admitted that MPs take responsibility to discuss about their constit-uency development. However, almost 100% of the respondents from constituency 081, 001 and 003 believed that their MP can take responsibility to discuss about their constituency development. In terms of account-ability of elected MPs, a reasonable number of respondents (34%) indicated that MPs are not accountable, 26% said they are less accountable, 17% said they are somehow accountable, 15% said they are accountable while only 8% said MPs are somehow very accountable. Although there are exceptional cases when talking about MPs’ accountability for instance in constituency 100 where most of the respondents said their MP is accountable, findings from these studies revealed that accountability of elected MPs is not very evident in the constituencies. However, views from FGD respondents (Mixed group) give conflicting impression. On one hand, respondents expressed the view that they trust their MP to deliver their promise. It is from the same group respondents recognised that the platform created by Search raised awareness among different people

20

in communities about the responsibilities of the MPs. Yet, another view came strongly from respondents in different FGDs contradicting this claim.

“To be sincere, this project has helped to choose a better M.P because the platform created awareness among people in the community. Since the people are aware of the responsibilities of their MP, the MP tend to work harder because he/she knows the

people are monitoring”.

Aiah G, Trader - Respondent, Mixed FGD group Constituency 029

On the contrary, survey data showed that more than half (55%) of the respondents interviewed are aware of development programmes undertaken by MPs within their constituencies, while 37% of the respondents indicated that they are not aware and only 8% said they are not sure of what their MP has done. Notably, more than 90% of the respondents interviewed in constituency 079 and 91 could not admit to any develop-mental programmes carried out by their MPs. Interestingly, of all the respondents (n=396) who admitted to have heard about developmental programmes carried out in their constituencies, 31% stated that they became aware through their MPs, 30% were informed by local radio stations while 14% claimed to have been in-formed by party members. In relation to accountability, the survey further investigated the awareness level of the respondents with regards to meetings held by MPs. From the field data, 59% account for respondents who had knowledge of meetings held by their MPs, compared to 35% of those who were unaware, and 6% of those who were not sure of any meeting held by their MPs. Nevertheless, respondents from at least on group discussion in constituency 100 gave an impress impression of their MP.

“The level of accountability of our MP is very high and if I were to choose amongst five stones in terms of the level of accountability, I will choose all the five because he

has never done anything unknown to us”

Doris F, Teacher - Women exclusive FGD, constituency 100

However, accountability is a concept respondents seem to have perceived differently based on their knowl-edge level. While some of the MPs stated that they are engaging their constituents through radio stations’ discussions, party meetings, and individual visits as a way of ensuring accountability, findings revealed that respondents tend not to understand accountability from these directions. Irrespective of the existing misun-derstanding observed between the constituents and MPs, the consultants were left with the impression that even though effort has been made by MPs in terms of accountability, the misconception surrounding this concept is a matter of concern. The respondents tend to understand “openness” to mean accountability.

Variation is observed in the frequency of meetings held by various MPs. It is observed from data gathered that in certain constituencies (081, 100 & 006), MPs have held meetings more than four times since elected. Whereas, constituencies like 012 and 025, majority of the respondents were unaware of meetings help by their MPs. See Table in appendix which gives a detailed analysis on the frequency of meetings held by MPs.

21

Outcome 2: Voters are better informed of their candidate’s policy and plan in the targeted constituencies

To ensure that voters are better informed of their MP candidates’ policies and plans, public screenings of political debates - as one of the key output areas of the Hybrid project - was reportedly implemented in 45 communities / constituencies. This action might have involved a good number of voters. In spite of that, it was discovered from data gathered that 66% of the respondents denied involvement in any political discus-sions/debates, while about a third (31%) of the respondents admitted to have been part of such discussions and 2% were uncertain. This finding implies that majority of the respondents did not participate in any political debates organized before the 2018 general elections. Resentment

Of those who claimed to have participated in political debates 36% (n=225) were representatives of political parties, while 34% (n=225) were mere observers that neither belong to any political party nor are supporters of any of the candidates. It is proven by data that party representatives were in majority of those who took part in the political debates organized across various constituencies, followed by observers. Given this case study, there is still strong political allegiance amongst the voters within the 28 constituencies surveyed. The MP candidates might have taken advantage of this situation. Focus might have been directed to political party structures to gain symbols instead of the voters. Because of this, when they (MPs) get into parliament, they tend to focus more on the interest of their political parties. This was confirmed across the various FGDs conducted with youth and women groups. In constituency 091, discussants of women and youth group alike expressed dissatisfaction of the election of the MP who was elected because of the party symbol he carries. Similar recentment came from youth people in a mixed group discussion conducted in constituency 083.


22

Documentary evidence shows that constituency action plans (CAPs) were developed by MP candidates prior to the 2018 elections, which was supposed to have been implemented with the involvement of the voters. According to the project report, progress has been made by some MPs since they were elected into office. This indication of progress on the updated CAP matrix which was done barely within a year (May 2018 to June 2019) since the MPs were sworn in to office does not reflect the realities on the ground. This was inde-pendently confirmed by the findings of the survey which shows that only 41% of the respondents reported that they were aware of their MPs’ CAPs, compared to 45% who do not have knowledge of the same plan, while 15% were not sure.

Discussions from various FGDs conducted recorded that indeed, there were town hall meetings conducted by different groups where the CAPs were developed prior to the 2018 general elections. While Search was mentioned by some of the discussants as the organizers of such THMs, The consultant noted that politicians, youths, women, teachers and the chiefs were among those invited to such gathering. During the THMs MP candidates were allowed to share with the voters their plans while educating the people on governance. Com-ments from most of the FGD respondents indicate that the THMs influenced the voting pattern of voters. As a result, lots of changes came into effect to have better leaders of the people’s choice. However, isolated cases of MP candidates being imposed on the voters came to light though the project played no role to prevent or support that. According to discussants this happened during the primary elections where party delegates were used to allocate symbols. The areas where the comments came from is constituency 091 and 079. In this regard, discussants were with the opinion that the THM cannot influence the selection of MP candidates for political party symbol.

On what to be done to hold MPs accountable, 38% of the respondents indicated that public engagements such as THM, radio and TV programmes with the MPs could be one way to hold them accountable. Political party engagements and other means accounted for about 27% of the respondents each while 8% reported that MPs must be subjected to parliamentary oversight committee.

There is revealing evidence to conclude that the debates and THMs conducted in constituencies worked very much in favour of female candidates’ e.g. Constituency 029 and constituency 001. A case in study is one of the candidates whose eventual election was attributed to the support given by Hybrid Project. According to the Project Officer, the MP elect of constituency 001 came from France to be MP for her constituency. The failure to secure political symbol from the current ruling party led her to choose the option of becoming an independent candidate. The sooner this MP heard of the opportunity Search created through the THMs, she wasted no time to use Search platform to her advantage. After listening to her account given by the Project Officer, the consultants were left with the impression that premium should be placed more on public en-gagement because this has worked well in favour of some of the MPs especially the female candidates. In the opinion of the Project Officer this is a big achievement.

“This project has transformed the political career of 2 female candidates so that is a big suc-cess of the project. One of the female condidates was formerly member of the ruling party but became independent candidate and used Search platform to make her voice heard”

23

KII, Search for Common Ground

The consultants further probed into whether there is a complaint mechanism to address the issue of MP not owning up to their constituents. Over half (52%) of the respondents strongly agreed that there are complaint mechanisms at constituency level in case MPs fail to own up to their responsibility. Even though the majority of the voters are not aware of their MPs’ constituency development plans, 46% of the respondents believed that their MPs could deliver on their campaign promises compared to 29% respondents who were not hopeful and 25% who were uncertain that their MPs could deliver.

Resultantly, the survey gives the impression that majority of the respondents are not better informed on elect-ed MPs’ policies and development plans although there are exceptional constituencies. But as a matter of fact, evidence from the FGDs affirms that voters have trust in their MPs to deliever their promise. For example, women respondents from the FGDs held in different locations said the activities of their MPs influence them to believe that they will deliver there campaign promises.

“I can tell you without doubt that all of the activities of the honorable like my sister have said his work encouraged me to believe that he is a development-oriented person

and can deliver”.

Sallay M. FGD constituency 100

Outcome 3: Citizens engage in constructive political debate in the targeted constituencies

As one of the key components of the Hybrid project, citizens’ engagement in constructive political debate was considered a major result area. This engagement is one of the ways through which constituents were expected to be aware of the policies and plans of their MPs. It was based on this that the consultants probed into the constant engagement of constituents by their MPs. To this end, survey results proved that 47% of the respon-dents were not constantly in touch with their MPs. While 43% of the respondents admitted that they were in constant touch with their MPs, 11% were not sure as to whether they have been constantly engaged. The MPs’ continuous engagement with their constituents is relatively on average. This is further proven by survey data indicating that 43% of the respondents admitted that their MPs normally hold meetings with them. Amongst those who admitted, there were various categories of voters who attended the meetings called up by their MPs as indicated in the figure below. The analysis on the figure below shows that 85% of the respondents were with the opinion that meetings were opened to every member in the constituencies.

24

Field Survey October 2019

With regards to citizens’ participation in political debates, the consultants observed that it is no longer appro-priate to engage in political debates at this time. Rather, post-election engagement should be focused around constituency development and accountability of the MPs to their voters irrespective of political party affilia-tion. This is strongly supported by the results of the findings wherein 59% of the respondents confirmed that they have never been part of positive political engagement in their constituencies. However, the 37% of the respondents who reported that they had some political engagements with their MPs got information through the following medium. See figure below

Field survey October 2019

In terms of motivation, findings of the survey revealed that 62% of the respondents who normally feel mo-

25

tivated to attend town hall meetings (THMs) with their MPs, did so mostly because of the developmental issues being discussed in those meetings. The results of the survey conducted also shows that political affiliation and same ethnic group are not strong reasons of motivation for voters to attend meetings. Comments from responspondents across various focus group discussions confirmed this to be true. In a group discussion con-ducted in constituency 100 for example, it was noted that constituents were motivated to engage with their MP because he listens and interacts with people.

“What really motivated us as to engage our MP is that, he has no barrier between us and he always listening to our cries .He is a very common man who even eats with

us in the same dish or plate and always interact with us. Therefor everybody likes him including the children” .

Aminata J. 25 year old farmer, FGD constituency 100

On the other hand, it was commonly observed from various discussions that citizens motivation to engage with their MPs goes beyond political connections and ethnicity. Some of the reasons of motivation given by key informants were unrelated with political party affiliation: they include, developmental strides, support during festivity, incentive for agricultural purposes, personal interaction and keeping to promises. Usually, MPs’ good interaction is a motivating factor citizens seriously count on for engagement. This has been at-tributed to the Hybrid project as effects were made to address the barriers that keep voters away from elected MPs. Another reason noted from dicussions is the need for money to solve individual problems. In the opin-ion of the MPs, motivation for their people is about bring something to make them happy, closeness with the people, discussing developmental issues, lobbying, readiness of the people, being in good framework of mind and readiness to attend meetings that bring development to their constituencies. Progress on the CAPs this project introduced first time at constituency level is convincing enough to conclude that the aforementioned were happening in most of the constituencies. Feedback from the Project Officer clearly attested that in addi-tion to regular visits made by MPs, these reasons of motivation are evident in communities visited. In pujehun for example, one of the MPs is well popular not only for his development activities, but his rapport with the community members is exceptionally appreciated - the reason why the voters re-elected him as PM. For a good number of the MPs social dialogue really worked well.

“Yes I agree that the Social Dialogue imitated by Search for Common Ground is really good for problem solving within political parties because, it sensitized and educated us

about good governance.

Celina T. FGD constituency 091

See figure below:

26

See figure below.

Field survey October 2019

Efficiency

Evidence presented during the evaluation demonstrated that progress has been made in key areas of intervention with the use of donor resources. In assessing efficiency as one of the criteria of this evalu-ation, the consultant examined how well project resources or inputs were utilized. What was also taken into consideration for assessing project efficiency is the value for money and how financial risks were mitigated. According to the Country Finance Manager (CFM) who was engaged as key informant, the Hybrid project was implemented with no compromise in terms of finance management. This is because of the rigid financial system the organization has long put in place to control issues like budget mismatch, overspending and misappropriation of funds. Normally, prior to funds disbursement, staff are required to follow strict financial procedure and requirements which were never compromised according to the impression given by the CFM.

Relating to sound budget management also, the key informant further stated that Search did not only follow financial agreement made with the donor, but uses “Dynamic Great Plain” a financial system which helped to track and analyse budget versus actual (BVA). For example, before given funds for the project activity implementation, staff field requests were done and cross checked by appropriate Managers and the financial system to be sure that the activities were planned and budgeted for. Alongside this, the consultants observed that an antiterrorism check was done constantly to ensure the organization was not

27

dealing with the wrong person each time financial transactions are done. In instances where the BVA in the financial system indicated the need for shift in account lines, the CFM impressed that this was done with the consent of the donor. All of these findings give evidence that implies the project fully met the organization’s financial requirements.

When it comes to the use of resources for the project implementation, the approach and strategy adopt-ed were found to be efficient. Implementing activities like public screening and political debates within communities may have saved the organization from spending huge money on participants’ transportation and feeding. In addition, it is more cost effective to conduct such activities within the locality of the ben-eficiaries when you consider the cost Search would have incurred if people had to move their locations. Limited resources were used in the event but the project succeeded in reaching their right targets with unprecedented outcomes. One of the outcomes unprecedented according to the Project Officer is the fact that the large turnout of voters to those political debates and screening sessions and THMs did not spark up any violence. Rather, voters left the sessions and meetings confirming the vision and plan of their MP candidates beforehand. Holding debates and THMs in communities was found to be a major aspect through which the project demonstrated cost effectiveness. This approach respects value for money with quality outputs delivery hence, the evaluation concludes it is an efficient and wise use of resources.

Political tension was heightened at the time this project was implemented. This made it challenging at some point to mobilize MPs who were key targets of the project. Although the THMs and debates made a great difference in the project areas, findings have shown that unforeseen spending was incurred by the project in the course of facilitating the sessions. The project encountered constraints in facilitating MPs movements to and from their constituencies. However, because of the management and leadership sup-port from Search, the activities went on without any major deviation. From the feedback of the CFM, the consultants learned that strong efforts made by staff who worked extra hours without pay, and the exchange rate gains, made it possible to address the constraints encountered. In addition, Search resulted to negotiation in their transactions with service providers. Some of the constraints encountered relate to inflation of price for meals, transportation and extra funds required to fully support MPs movements and overnight stay - which by default attracted additional funding.

What was considered even more difficult to manage is the time staff had to take to get cash request hon-oured because, in the opinion of the CFM, the process of payment was tedious. The delay in processing payment request affected the timeliness of some activities. This implies that more time was spent on plan-ning or pre-activities than required to implement this project. Consequently, delay was reported for some activities while some activities were observed to be done in a rush. Because the delivery of some activities could not happen as planned, the timeliness of some outputs delivery was not quite efficient.

Regardless, spending was reported to be below 100% at the time of the evaluation. The Project Officer however assured that appropriate processes are followed to reflect variance explanation in the final project narrative report. Findings confirmed that the project committed to produce 2 narrative reports in 2 inter-vals. This commitment has been met without delay.

28

With the financial system in place, staffing arrangements, tools, approaches, logistics and time taken to implement the first phase of Hybrid Project, there is strong evidence to confirm the efficiency of the project went well. The CFM in her own words attributed the project efficiency to the financial system, hardworking staff, negotiation and the project approach applied.

“The financial system we have really controls our expenditure which is good. The donor too has been very open to aliment of activities to address over spending”

KII Search.

Baseline

Outcome 4: Youth and women-led CSOs have increased capacity to serve as watchdogs and promote accountability in the post-election environment

The significance of youth and women-led organizations in promoting accountability and social dialogue, could not be over emphasized. Nowadays, public servants like MPs look forward to working with youth and women groups in promoting development in their constituencies. Following the review of MPs’ CAPs, it was noted that almost all MPs acknowledged the need to work and capacitate young people including women. On this basis, increasing the capacity of youth and women-led organizations by Search is found to be of great essence to ensuring accountability and social dialogue at constituency level. However, it is interesting to note that the awareness of respondents on the capacity of youth and women-led organizations proved to be moder-ately low with 37% of the respondents reporting that they are aware of youth- and women-led organizations, compared to 53% who are unaware and the rest account for respondents who are not sure. Among the list of organizations mentioned by the respondents, the consultant found that there are three main categories of youth- and women-led organizations

1. CBOs: community based organizations that are set up within the communities to support develop-ment. They are limited in scope and their reqistration mostly limited to the district council

2. CSOs: These are recognised civil society organizations with regional or national scope and man-date to facilitate human rights issues, policy reform, governance among other issues.

29

3. NGOs: which are non-governmental organization that are formally registered and incorporated to operate with limited liability.

Though the number of organizations in existence might be low, it does not necessary imply that they are not capacitated. However, if the number of organization is a determinant for increased capacity as in the context of the Hybrid project, then, it is worth knowing that in some constituencies such as in 091 and 083, there are few organizations of such.

In spite of these findings, the need to strengthen these organizations capacity in areas like advocacy, account-ability, community engagement, reporting, and monitoring is something Search should consider. For organi-zations to be effective in monitoring the accountability and social interaction of MPs and their constituents, they need to be technically and financially empowered. This means that the focus on increasing capacity of organizations to serve as watchdogs to promote accountability in the post-election environment, should go beyond having several organizations in operation. But rather, capacity in terms of skills, knowledge, tools, personnel etc. should be considered.

Moreover, in examining the capacity of these organizations, a question on their CAPs brings to light the following findings; 64% of the respondents were of the view that youth or women-led organizations within their constituencies have CAPs, 21% account for respondents were unclear while 15% reported to have no knowledge.

Outcome 5: Engagement between newly-elected MPs and citizens is strengthened

With the exception of constituencies 012 and 083 where the respondents were not aware of THMs, majority (61%) of the respondents acknowledged that THMs were organized in their constituencies. This is more evident in constituency 001 and 003 where 94% in each constituency reported that they are aware and al-ways part of THMs that were organized by their MPs. These meetings have been held as recent as less than 6 months ago as expressed by majority of the respondents who attended THMs. The analysis implies that THMs are ongoing in almost all the constituencies where Search implemented this project. Even though the scope of the study does not include the content of these meetings, the consultants deem it necessary for Search to skew these meetings around development and accountability. By doing so, the voters could engage elected MPs in meetings on a quarterly basis other than the other way round.

30


Since the last general elections (2018) MPs are reportedly held THMs with their constituents. The figure below gives a clear picture of the frequency of meetings held by MPS in their constituencies. This result does not presuppose that MPs do not visit their constituencies. It however indicates the number of THMs held by MPs. Majority (74%) of the respondents specified that their MPs do visit their constituencies.


31

Key Lessons Learned

• One of the lessons which was learnt from this project is that the project’s approach focuses more on MPs accountability and involvement, with less attention given to community participation. This can un-dermine the sustainability of the project and its impact on constituents. There will be greater percentage of impacts on the lives of the voters if they are involved in future planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of future projects.

• Another lesson learnt is that in supporting MPs’ accountability, communities’ misconceptions of accountability need to be addressed. Therefore, the implementation of any project that has to be imple-mented, monitored and evaluated by the voters, the voters have to be sensitized on such issue as in the case of accountability.

• There is every need for pre-evaluation orientation of key informants. Targeting the stakeholders with-out prior knowledge of the exercise made them oblivious about what the evaluation was all about.

• In the implementation of such a project, the approach should not be focused on one set of target. Rather, both the politicians (MPs) and the voters should be targeted.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

In a context where accountability of public officials (MPs) is questionable and the space for social dialogue and political engagement is narrow, project interventions like Hybrid becomes very necessary. At the inception of this project, there was a need for MP candidates to set the stage for community level horizontal accountability so that, when elected into office the people can hold them accountable. From the study conducted, the con-sultants noted that measures of accountability were based on the CAPs which Search successfully facilitated with the active involvement of community members. The consultants strongly believe that, it was only when Search introduced the CAPs through Hybrid Project during 2018 general elections that has raised so much awareness among voters, this has never been the case in previous elections. However, the Project Officer con-vincingly argued that this is the first time ever MPs come together with the people to develop their CAPs. The difference made with the introduction of CAPs in the targeted constituencies gives strong evidence to

32

conclude that the project promoted MPs accountability at constituency level.

The remarkable community debates and THMs Search facilitated before the general elections was appreci-ated with commendation though the initiative was undertaken when the political tension in the country was very high. Young people and MPs alike, referred to these sessions as a contributing factor for the progress observed in the MPs engagement. Regardless of the political tension by then, the project - through relentless effort of the programme team - brought to light MPs whose hope of success was uncertain. The project creat-ed platform that gave voice to the choice of voters. In this regard, there is revealing evidence to conclude that the debates and THMs conducted in constituencies worked very much in favour of female candidates’ e.g. Constituency 029 and constituency 001.

Another area with much improvement is the visit made by MPs in their constituencies. Apart from parlia-mentary seating, it is incumbent on every MPs to keep in touch with their constituencies to promote develop-ment. Since the project supported social platforms for interaction and dialogue, improvement was observed in the number of visits made by most of the elected MPs. This is how the evaluation concludes that regular visits are made by MPs in most of the constituencies served by the project.

In totality, achievement of project effectiveness is evident and the high level of efficiency demonstrated, proved Hybrid project to be impactful and very appropriate. Not that the project did not encounter challenges, but the findings of the study disclosed key drivers of change otherwise success factors which are; management ap-proach, implementation arrangement, programming strategy and leadership. It will be of immense benefit to future projects and of course, the organization’s knowledge management if Search will have a comprehensive documentary of success story stories resulting directly from the intervention of Hybrid project.

Recommendations

Evaluation

Capacity Building (Communities & CSOs)

• Based on the findings, it is imperative for Search to enhance voters’ capacity on their role in account-ability processes after election. This could be done through systematic community engagement such as outreach events, campaigns, community workshops, radio discussion and TV programmes.

• Search should build the capacity of CSOs and other key stakeholders (local authorities, youth leaders, women leaders etc.) on the concept of accountability and how to apply it. This could be done through training workshops, IEC materials, development of training manuals, media engagement.

33

• In the course of implementation, the community capacity should be strengthened to buy in to the idea of holding their own sessions without the intervention of Search to guarantee sustainability.

Community Engagement

• Post-election engagement must revolve around constituency development programmes and account-ability. Therefore, Search should facilitate post-election engagement as much as possible with project ini-tiatives to support elected MPs accountability. This means that Search should explore potential funding opportunities to support the implementation of the CAPs.

• Since the voters are more interested in participating THMs because of the developmental issues that are being discussed, Search should not only focus on the 28 constituencies but, should continue to support THMs in other constituencies.

• Support training of trainers (TOT) to further disseminate and educate constituents on the concept of accountability.

M&E

• Given the current scope of work, there is a need for strong knowledge management system. Search should therefore consider to create a whole M&E unit to support programme quality effectiveness, advo-cacy, communication, research and publication.

• Capacity assessment to be done among community-based structures to better determine organizations to partner with for sustainability.

• Search to ensure comprehensive documentary of success stories resulting directly from the intervention of this Hybrid project.

• Search should consider reviewing the indicators used to measure capacity of youth and women-led organizations.

• It will be of immense benefit to future projects and of course, the organization’s knowledge man-agement if Search will have a comprehensive documentary of success stories resulting directly from the intervention of this Hybrid project.

Search Interventions

• Search should consider similar interventions targeting local councils to strengthen performance in service delivery.

34

• Identify some organizations (CBOs NGO & CSOs) with good practices to take an active part in the implementation of the project.



• Strong consideration should be made during the second phase of the project to maximize the partic-ipation of the voters.

• Search should promote the involvement of more constituents from the onset of the planning, formu-lation, implementation and monitoring of CAPs.

• From the documents reviewed, and findings from the field, there seems to be a disconnect between the MPs and the local council. Therefore, Search should consider similar intervention targeting local councils to strengthen performance in service delivery.

Baseline

• Search should consider reviewing the indicators used to measure capacity of youth and women-led organizations. In the context of right-based approach, it is adviced that indicators carry change elements. The current indicators are accessing process instead of change.

• Identify some organizations (CBOs NGO & CSOs) with best practice to take an active part in the implementation of the project.



• Strong consideration should be made during the second phase of the project to maximize the partici-pation of the voters. (Example Mama Queen, youth leaders, chairmen, chair ladies, clergy, and the like).

35

APPENDICESAre you a member or a supporter of political group / party?

Constituency Can’t tellParty

MemberNeutral

Party Sup-

porterTotal

001 0 9 13 13 35003 0 13 4 19 36004 0 9 7 17 33006 0 14 4 20 38009 0 18 5 12 35012 0 8 10 19 37016 0 12 4 22 38024 1 4 4 18 27025 0 6 4 21 31027 0 3 5 19 27029 0 8 7 14 29033 0 1 6 6 13044 0 2 6 10 18049 0 1 4 14 19070 0 0 4 16 20075 0 0 4 15 19079 1 0 4 17 22081 0 9 11 14 34083 0 0 1 35 36087 0 6 0 22 28088 0 3 0 17 20091 3 1 5 29 38096 0 1 4 11 16099 0 10 5 14 29100 2 11 3 17 33109 0 0 0 12 12

Total 7 149 124 443 723

Respondents knowledge about elected MP in their constituency (Southern Region)

Constituency No Not sure Yes % Total

Bo 079 3 1 18 82% 22

Bo 081 0 0 34 100% 34

Bo 083 6 0 30 83% 36

Bo 087 10 0 18 64% 28

Bo 088 4 0 16 80% 20

Bonthe 091 1 1 36 95% 38

36

Moyamba 096 3 0 13 81% 16

Pujehun 099 2 0 27 93% 29

Pujehun 100 0 0 33 100% 33

Respondents knowledge about elected MP in their constituency (Eastern Region)

District Constituency No Not sure Yes % Total

Kailahun 001 0 0 35 100% 35

Kailahun 003 0 0 36 100% 36

Kailahun 004 0 0 33 100% 33

Kailahun 006 1 0 37 97% 38

Kailahun 009 0 0 35 100% 35

Kenema 012 2 1 34 92% 37

Kenema 016 2 0 36 95% 38

Kono 024 7 1 19 70% 27

Kono 025 9 0 22 71% 31

Kono 027 1 0 26 96% 27

Kono 029 10 0 19 66% 29

Respondents knowledge about elected MP in their constituency (North-East & North Region)


Bombali 033 5 0 8 62% 13

Koinadugu 044 2 0 16 89% 18

Tonkolili 049 1 0 18 95% 19

Port Loko 070 0 0 20 100% 20

Port Loko 075 1 0 18 95% 19

Respondents knowledge about elected MP in their constituency (Western Region)


Western

Rural

109 3 1 8 67% 12

Frequency of meetings held by MPs in constituencies

ConstituencyNo

Meeting

More than

four timeOnce Quadrupled Trice Twice Total

001 1 26 0 3 4 1 35

003 2 10 7 2 10 5 36

004 2 13 1 2 9 6 33

37

006 9 7 3 5 4 10 38

009 3 21 2 1 7 1 35

012 30 1 2 0 2 2 37

016 22 4 8 2 2 0 38

024 19 0 8 0 0 0 27

025 25 0 2 0 1 3 31

027 13 3 4 0 4 3 27

029 17 2 3 2 2 3 29


ConstituencyNo

Meeting

More than


033 6 2 4 0 0 1 13

044 9 1 2 0 1 5 18

049 5 0 12 0 1 1 19

070 10 0 5 0 1 4 20

075 12 0 5 0 2 0 19

109 8 0 3 0 0 1 12


ConstituencyNo Meet-

ing

More than


079 19 0 3 0 0 0 22

081 0 28 0 3 3 0 34

083 24 2 5 0 0 5 36

087 13 5 3 0 5 2 28

088 11 1 1 2 3 2 20

091 25 0 13 0 0 0 38

096 8 2 3 0 0 3 16

099 8 2 5 3 1 10 29

100 0 21 0 3 7 2 33

If Yes, who were invited to the meeting?

Constituency No Everybody

Party

members

only

Natural

leaders

Only

Tribesmen Total

001 2 32 1 0 0 35003 12 24 0 0 0 36

38

004 2 29 1 0 1 33006 19 17 0 2 0 38009 4 28 2 1 0 35012 35 1 0 1 0 37016 36 1 0 1 0 38024 24 0 2 1 0 27025 24 5 1 1 0 31027 10 9 2 6 0 27029 19 5 2 2 1 29033 8 3 1 1 0 13044 9 8 0 1 0 18049 17 2 0 0 0 19070 13 5 0 2 0 20075 14 2 0 3 0 19079 22 0 0 0 0 22081 0 33 0 1 0 34083 31 2 0 3 0 36087 15 12 0 1 0 28088 10 8 1 1 0 20091 37 0 1 0 0 38096 10 3 2 1 0 16099 27 2 0 0 0 29100 0 33 0 0 0 33109 11 0 1 0 0 12

Total 411 264 17 29 2 723

Do you know the elected MP in

this constituency?

Does your MP talk to people about

the constituency development fund?

Do you feel your MP take responsibility

to report or discuss about development in

your constituency?

No Not sure Yes Total No Not sure Yes Total No Not sure Yes Total

001 0 0 35 35 1 0 34 35 1 1 33 35

003 0 0 36 36 9 0 27 36 4 2 30 36

004 0 0 33 33 5 0 28 33 4 1 28 33`

006 1 0 37 38 18 1 19 38 11 1 26 38

009 0 0 35 35 10 1 24 35 6 1 28 35

012 2 1 34 37 22 3 12 37 30 1 6 37

016 2 0 36 38 25 4 9 38 21 7 10 38

024 7 1 19 27 19 6 2 27 22 5 0 27

025 9 0 22 31 23 0 8 31 21 5 5 31

027 1 0 26 27 17 5 5 27 4 13 10 27

029 10 0 19 29 11 6 12 29 8 9 12 29

033 5 0 8 13 4 7 2 13 7 4 2 13

39

044 2 0 16 18 6 4 8 18 5 4 9 18

049 1 0 18 19 13 3 3 19 9 8 2 19

070 0 0 20 20 14 4 2 20 9 7 4 20

075 1 0 18 19 12 5 2 19 10 9 0 19

079 3 1 18 22 17 4 1 22 20 2 0 22

081 0 0 34 34 1 0 33 34 0 0 34 34

083 6 0 30 36 25 7 4 36 19 9 8 36

087 10 0 18 28 8 6 14 28 7 9 12 28

088 4 0 16 20 12 2 6 20 0 3 17 20

091 1 1 36 38 27 7 4 38 29 7 2 38

096 3 0 13 16 7 1 8 16 7 2 7 16

099 2 0 27 29 16 1 12 29 18 2 9 29

100 0 0 33 33 0 0 33 33 0 0 33 33

109 3 1 8 12 6 6 0 12 3 9 0 12

Total 73 5 645 723 328 83 312 723 275 121 327 723

Constituency

Has your MP ever held meetings

with people of this constituency? Total

Has your MP ever paid visit

to your constituency? Total

No Not sure Yes No Not sure Yes001 1 0 34 35 0 0 35 35003 0 0 36 36 0 0 36 36004 1 1 31 33 0 0 33 33006 7 1 30 38 1 1 36 38009 3 0 32 35 0 1 34 35012 30 1 6 37 29 2 6 37016 26 1 11 38 12 2 24 38024 10 7 10 27 6 3 18 27025 15 6 10 31 10 2 19 31027 4 7 16 27 1 1 25 27029 7 5 17 29 7 1 21 29033 4 5 4 13 4 5 4 13044 3 5 10 18 0 3 15 18049 4 1 14 19 6 1 12 19070 3 5 12 20 3 2 15 20075 1 6 12 19 3 1 15 19079 14 5 3 22 12 7 3 22081 0 0 34 34 0 0 34 34083 23 4 9 36 15 5 16 36087 5 10 13 28 4 6 18 28088 7 1 12 20 7 2 11 20091 17 7 14 38 10 4 24 38096 4 4 8 16 1 7 8 16

40

099 5 2 22 29 1 3 25 29100 0 0 33 33 0 0 33 33109 0 10 2 12 0 1 11 12

Total 194 94 435 723 132 60 531 723

Progress update on Constituency Action Plans - June 28, 2019N0. District Constituency Progress

Kailahun 001 36%Kailahun 003 32%Kailahun 004 25%Kailahun 006 27%Kailahun 009 38%Kenema 012 61%Kenema 016 18%Kono 024 36%Kono 025 19%Kono 027 43%Kono 029 44%Bombali 033 17%Kainadugu 044 25%Tonkolili 049 33%Karene 066 36%Port Loko 070 42%Port Loko 075 18%Bo 079 50%Bo 081 22%Bo 083 30%Bo 087 40%Bo 088 40%Bonthe 091 60%Moyamba 096 38%Pujehun 099 60% Pujehun 100 64%Western Rural 109 33%Western Urban 121 44%Western Urban 127 27%

Extract from Search report - Updated Constituency Action Plan Matrix: June 2019

41

Constituency

How accountable is your MP?

TotalNot Ac-

countable

Less account-

able

Somewhat

accountableAccountable

Very ac-

countable001 0 1 7 23 4 35003 3 5 9 18 1 36004 3 4 15 9 2 33006 8 12 13 5 0 38009 5 3 11 7 9 35012 24 9 3 1 0 37016 28 7 1 2 0 38024 15 12 0 0 0 27025 7 22 2 0 0 31027 4 11 10 2 0 27029 3 16 8 2 0 29033 5 5 3 0 0 13044 2 8 4 4 0 18049 4 13 2 0 0 19070 4 15 1 0 0 20075 8 11 0 0 0 19079 22 0 0 0 0 22081 0 0 6 13 15 34083 27 3 3 2 1 36087 13 3 7 3 2 28088 12 2 2 3 1 20091 32 5 1 0 0 38096 4 5 4 3 0 16099 9 11 8 1 0 29100 0 0 0 12 21 33109 7 5 0 0 0 12

Total 249 188 120 110 56 723

Do you trust your MP that s/he will deliver cam-

paign promoses? Total

Constituency No Not_sure Yes

001 2 2 31 35003 1 4 31 36004 0 2 31 33006 2 12 24 38009 2 4 29 35012 25 6 6 37016 13 14 11 38

42

024 12 9 6 27025 7 11 13 31027 2 12 13 27029 7 11 11 29033 2 9 2 13044 1 12 5 18049 8 8 3 19070 6 11 3 20075 7 11 1 19079 18 4 0 22081 1 0 33 34083 14 11 11 36087 12 3 13 28088 7 4 9 20091 34 4 0 38096 1 11 4 16099 20 1 8 29100 0 0 33 33109 5 6 1 12

Total 209 182 332 723

ENHANCING SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT ACROSS ETHNIC … · 2020. 1. 21. · dialogue...

Documents

Transcript of ENHANCING SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT ACROSS ETHNIC … · 2020. 1. 21. · dialogue...