By Nasratu Kargbo
The Executive Director at the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) Andrew Lavalie has said that the Unifiers’ Movement is to wage a peace campaign for the 2023 elections. He made this statement during discussions on this year’s citizens’ manifesto, an event held in Freetown on Friday 20th January 2023.
“Too often we talk about violence, we do not talk about peace. So this election we are waging peace not war” said Lavalie
He described the unifiers’ movement as a network of ordinary Sierra Leoneans from different backgrounds or political orientation, but embrace each other, demonstrating love despite their differences.
He called on the media to join the movement, stating that he expects this to be one of the biggest governance transformations inside Africa.
Speaking about the 2023 citizens’ manifesto, he said it will be quite different from 2017’s, which focused on the leaders and what the citizens wanted from them.
“This time we as citizens must make a commitment that on the change we want to see in the next five years” said Lavalie. He added that it could be basic things such as not begging politicians, refraining from throwing garbage in the street or contributing to public sanitation.
Lavalie noted that thereafter they’ll look at big ideas and polices they’ll like the government to put in place, basic things that he said will facilitate improvement in every part of the country.
He emphasized that if Sierra Leone was to grow, in all spheres such as education and economy, the country must have a cohesive system where the rule of law and justice work for all.
He stated that the manifesto has a 45 person committee from different organizations. Speaking on data collection for the compilation of the document, Lavalie explained that every district will have 50 persons that will be consulted. He recalled that for the last manifesto they spoke to 700 individuals, and that this year they are targeting over 800 as a result of the added districts.
When asked how they can get the government implement what is in the citizens’ manifesto, he stated that they’ll organize an event where the political parties that are represented in parliament will vet the instrument they want to use to collect data.
He explained that the process will be transparent and the information beneficial to the politicians as they will know what the people need.
He noted that they want to ensure that this year’s citizens’ manifesto funded by Irish Aid is included in political parties’ manifestos.
Head of women’s rights focused group- 50/50, Haja Alimatu Abdulai spoke on the relevance of peace, without which she said a nation cannot develop.
She mentioned that prayers will be offered for Sierra Leone by Muslims and Christians on the 28th January 2023.
“We have resolved to have prayers in collaboration with the Inter -Religious Council.. all over the country” said Abdullah.
She encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to attend the session at their nearest location. She expressed hope that God will answer the prayers of the citizens and ensure that the country has peaceful 2023 elections.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (23/01/23)
