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<p>We are not aware of any formal reports of FGM being used as part of the electoral
process; but with our partners we are closely monitoring all risks around the election.</p><p>DFID
is committed to working with the Government of Sierra Leone to promote the rights
of women and girls and will seek to work with the new Government to specifically tackle
FGM in the country. Supporting Sierra Leones’ elections bodies to deliver free, fair
and inclusive elections is a top priority for the UK. We are working with the National
Elections Commission (NEC) and Civil Society Organizations to deliver civic and voter
information better targeted to specific groups like women and persons with a disability.
Efforts are underway by the UN in country to establish a women’s situation room to
help monitor and tackle instances of violence against women and other vulnerable groups.
The NEC is also working to make voting centres more physically accessible and/or able
to provide special voting arrangements e.g. tactile ballots for the visually impaired,
and table-top voting screens for mothers with small children.</p>
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