Political participation in Sierra Leone has increased with successful elections held in 2002, 2004 and 2007. DFID provided £10.5m to the basket fund for the 2007 national and 2008 local elections.

However, corruption remains a major obstacle to the country's development. The UK is helping to tackle corruption through support to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Auditor General, public financial management and civil service reform. DFID provides £4m to strengthen and reform the civil service as well £8m to support a joint DFID/WB/EC decentralisation programme to improve the capacity of local government.

We are also supporting Parliament to help it represent effectively the interests of the people of Sierra Leone and hold the Executive to account.