By Sorie I Kanu
For more than a year ago, Sierra Leoneans voted for a change of government, but as I write this piece, that change is yet to be realized. This has led to a lot of desperation on the sides of both the opposition APC and the electorates that presumably voted for that change. The ECSL and the government, using the power of incumbency, have, so far, deliberately refused to adhere to both local and international calls for a thorough investigation into the June 24, 2023, electoral circles.
An attempt by a joint subregional, regional, and international body to mediate in this electoral impasse has scarcely impacted the government and its electoral management body, the ECSL. In what appears as a total defiance of all possible rational solutions, the government continues to pursue its diplomatic shuttles, which are in no doubt prolonging this period of uncertainty following the June 24 polls.
Sadly, though, the leadership of the opposition APC, wittingly or unwittingly, has embroiled itself in a lot of controversies that have obviously deviated its focus on ensuring that the people’s votes are properly accounted for. It is a serious cause for concern as the public, especially the voters, continue to advocate for proper accountability of their ballots. Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, and both within the APC and without, have, however, not relented in their quest for investigating the June 24, 2023, electoral processes and procedures. In the midst of all this uncertainty, Sierra Leoneans, especially the opposition APC, are still confident that they voted for a new government that, sooner rather than later, will assume the mantle of leadership.
As the uncertainty deepens, especially so as is evident in the acrimonious relationship in the top leadership of the opposition APC, the patience of voters has seemingly been exhausted, and they are therefore looking for sustainable options in seeking redress against what they consider a stolen ballot.
If the current developments in the country are anything to go by, the conspiracy theories that both the opposition APC and SLPP government have once again, as they have done in the past, connived against the people are gradually gaining momentum. This is manifested by the dramatic turn of events in which the APC leadership is undressing their presidential candidate and lead figure in the fight for electoral justice and the signed Bintumani Hotel Communique on October 19, 2023.
Many people believe that the fight for electoral justice is not just for Dr. Samura Kamara and not just for the APC. It is conceived as a national struggle and must therefore be made to be seen in that perspective for its success and sustainability. Being thus, it must be such that each and every Sierra Leonean becomes a party to it. It is no longer a fight for just a section of Sierra Leoneans based on petty tribal, regional, or political affinities. For many, it is a new form of patriotism that transcends the traditional values of partisanship in which tribal and regional nomenclatures supersede national interest.
Cognizant of the fact that the strength of the political elites over the years is derived from ethnic and regional exclusivity, Sierra Leoneans must, therefore, as a united front, fight to dislodge them from this decades-old strategy that benefits only them and their families. Sierra Leoneans have suffered a lot of injustices and deprivation throughout the post-Independence era as a result of the connivance of the actions of the political elites on either side of the divide, and this must now be put to an end. The fight for electoral justice is now therefore perceived as a platform for all in a bid to turn back the hands of the clock to their rightful direction. This can only be done if Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life and in defiance of all odds start to consider themselves as one.
If the political elites have ganged up against the people, as is already manifested in the conduct of the June 24 elections, Sierra Leoneans, especially the electorates, have every reason to come together to resist this menace of a nation. Lack of transparency, accountability, and credibility in the conduct of elections is the biggest cankerworm devouring the fabrics of this country, and fighting against it becomes a national service for every rational Sierra Leonean.
History has already revealed to us that politics in Sierra Leone has been essentially for the interest of the top brass of the APC and SLPP at any point in time. They share power between themselves and distribute the wealth of this country among themselves to the extent that it never makes any difference between them being in power or in opposition. Successive governments, since independence, have more often than not been sharing the loots of the state’s wealth with the leadership of the opposition at the expense of the vast majority of the people of this country.
Sierra Leoneans have been living in a country of a ‘two-horse race’ in which no election has ever been conducted without disputed results since independence. Interestingly, though, all the winners of such elections always remain in power until another disputed election with the full backing of the opposition. This must come to an end. If it has come to a point where a winner is announced while counting is in progress, it will certainly reach a point in which election results will be announced while voting is still going on. Sierra Leoneans cannot sit idly by waiting for more uncertainties. A fight against electoral irregularities and fraud is hence imperative for all seriously minded Sierra Leoneans, without which more electoral uncertainties become inevitable.
