By Saio Marrah
The Chairman of Christian Aid, John Seatamn, has during a visit called on Sierra Leonean to ensure their voices are heard through the ballot box in the upcoming elections.
Seatamn this said at a press conference organised at the institution’s country office in Freetown.
He said the reason is that the larger the number of people who vote, the more likely they get representative government.
On that note he encouraged members of the Inter-Religious Council to get followers of the different faiths to cast their votes to express their opinion and their preferences for those they wish to be their leaders.
He said the right to vote is power to the people that should be used effectively in the ballot box.
According to him, “if the result comes out, you will know we voted for this person because the huge majority of us have said so.”
He added:“Please do not keep your voice silent… get your voice in this election and do not be silent in terms of engaging with the process and making sure that you do wonderful things.”
He acknowledged the passing of law that will ensure the upcoming election to be held in proportional representation, but pointed out that Christian Aid is more committed to women’s empowerment in health, education, business industry and agriculture.
He said it took England a while to get women on board and that the Sierra Leonean society should not frown at getting women fully involved in every facet of society .
Seatamn also noted that at Christian Aid they believe everyone is created in the likeness of God and that everyone should be treated with the greatest dignity, respect and justice.
He spoke about the organisation’s focus on addressing poverty, women’s right, and speaking truth to power by giving out prophetic voices.
He praised Christian Aid workers in Sierra Leone for doing exactly what the institution stands for and that he would want to see other workers of Christian Aid in other countries replicate that.
He also confirmed that Christian Aid will extend its presence from the current six districts to 10 in the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Christian Aid, Patrick Matt noted that much has changed from his last visit to Sierra Leone back in 2005, but pointed out that Sierra Leone still remains a country that has a lot of poverty.
Matt said since the commencement of their service in Sierra Leone in 1988, they have always worked in partnership with Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to achieve and learn together with their partners.
He also applauded diverse and resilient CSOs within the country and that they want to see more vibrant Sierra Leone CSOs that will encourage active citizenship as the country is heading to elections.
He also called on the religious leaders to mobilize people for the common good in encouraging them to use their resources responsibly for themselves and their fellow men and women.
The team will be moving upcountry to see some of the work being executed by the office here in Sierra Leone.
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