By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
Former All Peoples Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara has called for transparency in the review of the electoral process.
He made the statement whilst addressing a gathering at State House to witness the Launch by President Julius Maada Bio of the Cross-Party Committee on the Review of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Systems and Electoral Management Bodies on Tuesday 21st November.
He said all activities, proceedings, and documents related to the committee’s work must be made accessible to the public, noting the respect for privacy and confidentiality throughout the process.
“Regular updates should be provided to the public and relevant stakeholders as well, regarding the process, findings, and emerging issues during the investigations,” he added.
He suggested that the government and opposition be given the opportunity to submit relevant information, evidence, or concerns to the committee and to ensure fair representation of their perspectives.
He noted that the final report of the committee’s findings and recommendations should be published, adding that it will ensure accountability and enable the public, citizens, stakeholders, and authorities to take action.
By adhering to the terms of reference that will be presented, Dr.Kamara said Sierra Leone will work towards achieving a legacy for free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections. ”It is my hope that this committee will pave the way for a more inclusive democratic society where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected,” he said, adding the committee must be restricted to its partners.
He said actions should not be taken unilaterally by any party in the committee, and that the general public should be engaged in the committee’s outreach programmes. He urged the committee to uphold the “sacred” responsibility for the good of the country.
In his statement, President Julius Maada Bio said in the midst of their individual differences, there must be a commonplace in their shared national interest. He recalled following his re-election as President, he proposed the setting up of a National Electoral Systems Review Committee borne out of post-elations concerns; a committee, that he said would strengthen the institutional legal and operational regime for future elections.
Bio noted a seven-point resolution adopted by the government and the opposition during the inter-party dialogue in October this year, which he said is a framework agreement for national unity and cohesion, adding that his proposals for Electoral Systems Review were adopted.
He commended the APC party for honoring resolution two in the agreement by ending their non-participation in governance. “Political dialogue is not a sign of a weakness,” he said, noting it is a symbol of peace and national cohesion.
The country’s main opposition party, APC raised a series of electoral concerns believing there were irregularities in the June 24th elections, and as a result, they decided not to participate in governance.
However, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in collaboration with the Commonwealth and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) played a key role in facilitating a three-day dialogue between the government and the opposition which brought an end to the non-participation of governance by the APC. Seven resolutions were passed, one of which is the setting up of the electoral systems review committee.
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