By Khadi Mansaray
Sierra Leone decides on March 7, 2018. As elections draw near parties and their supporters up the ante. The propaganda machinery has gone into overdrive. With messages ranging from positive, ambitious to pure fiction and downright lies.
The campaigns have been very interesting and exciting. The major differences this time have been the entry of dynamic and charismatic new players on the scene. New parties are challenging the status quo. The two main parties APC and SLPP that have dominated the political scene since independence are being challenged. The criticism being lack of significant progress and development over the years. Corruption, misuse and ineffective utilisation of our resources have been a source of discontent for many citizens.
There’s great appetite for change. This time people are bolder and much more vocal. In addition to that the diaspora has been very active with many going home to campaign and intending to vote in March.
But what do Sierra Leoneans really want? Many agree that things need to improve considerably but opinions differ on how that can be achieved and who can effectively deliver it.
Some believe that change can happen from within and are doing their best to achieve it by fixing what is wrong within the current systems. However, a significance number have completely lost faith in the old and believe that a complete overhaul is needed. Believing It must be out with the old and in with the new. People seem ready to take a chance on the unknown than risk continuance.
It must be noted that there is no such thing as completely new in our country, as everyone, politicians and followers alike have had previous affiliations and loyalties to the old parties that have dominated politics since independence.
Change really means reassessing our core values and deciding a way of life. The outcome of this election may last for at least a decade. We are voting for future generations. This time Sierra Leoneans shall be choosing a way of life. We shall be choosing how we want to live. We can either choose to uphold the status quo and continue within our silos because we are comfortable with it and have learned to survive within the system. We can accept mediocrity and wear suffering with pride because that is what we know.
Or we can embrace change wholeheartedly and make the sacrifices that would lead to better lives for all of us.
One thing is certain though, whatever the outcome, whoever leads cannot do it alone. Things wont to change magically overnight. Our country cannot move forward no matter how badly we want it to if we continue to behave in the same way we have always done. Are we ready to give up our little bits of corruption that keep us going? The small bribes we pay to make things happen. The doors that open because we know someone. Are we ready to trade fairly, go to work on time and do the work we are paid to do with honesty and commitment? Are we being willing to do the right thing just because it is the right thing so that everyone stands a chance?
Are we ready for equal opportunities for everybody? Shall we stop abusing power just because we can? Shall we treat our subordinates better? Will sexual harassment stop? Shall we stop cheating in exams and stop trying to con the next man out of what he is due? Is change just a fairy-tale and we wish for or something we are ready to work for? Is Sierra Leone really ready for the change it desires?
Vote wisely in March 2018 and choose the life you want.
We know what we have now, we know what is possible, we know what we could have and what we should have. It’s time for us to choose.
It’s our decision. What do we want for Sierra Leone?
Note: The author is a Publisher, Writer, Activist living in London.
(c) 2018 Politico Online
