By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
As Sierra Leone tightens up for tomorrow’s polls, President Julius Maada Bio has called on citizens to have the privilege to exercise their constitutional rights to vote freely and without fear of intimidation and violence.
He made this call in a national address delivered on elections preparedness on the 20th June 2023.
The President noted that as tomorrow marks the 24th of June 2023, Sierra Leone will embark on a significant milestone in its democratic journey of Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Council Elections, noting that the forth-coming elections are not merely a procedural formality; they embody the country’s democratic ideals. He said the power of each individual's vote is immense as it is everyone’s most potent non-violent tool in shaping the destiny of the nation.
He noted that as the leader who willingly relinquished power to a democratically elected president, he holds the project of democracy dear to his heart. He said to have understood the paramount importance of democracy, for without it, there is no country to cherish, no land to fulfill its dreams, and no legacy to pass on to children.
President Bio stated that Sierra Leoneans should not afford to be oblivious to the dangers that lurk when violence replaces the path of democracy and the rule of law as he said the country has experienced firsthand the far-reaching effects of choosing war over dialogue.
“We cannot subject our children or loved ones to a repetition of our darkest past. Therefore, we must recognize that there is simply no substitute for democracy, even when its outcomes may feel inconvenient or leave us disheartened,” he said.
He also stated that since assuming office in May 2018, Government has made remarkable strides in fostering unity, freedom, and justice within the nation. He said they have diligently established the necessary legal and regulatory framework to ensure peaceful and inclusive elections, setting the stage for the upcoming Multi-Tier Elections.
The President explained that over the past five years, they have made significant headway in cultivating national peace, and unity and consolidating democratic principles by convening a national convention on peace and national cohesion, commonly known as Bintumani III, in the first year of his governance on the 23rd May 2019. He said the three-day conference brought together all stakeholders committed to the country's peace and stability.
He went on to note that four years have elapsed since the historic Bintumani III and they have diligently implemented the key recommendations that emerged from the national dialogue like the establishment of a permanent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, a resolute commitment to strengthening democracy and governance institutions such as the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) to name but a few.
He said the aforementioned endeavors constitute just a few examples of the comprehensive approach they have taken to bring about positive change, guided by the thoughtful recommendations put forth during the conference, and serve as a testament to the steadfast dedication to national progress, peace, and unity.
President Bio recalled Presidential Candidates and Political Party Leaders solemnly affixed their signatures to the National Election Peace Pledge on the 25th May 2023. He called on his compatriot, Dr Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party to remain wholeheartedly committed just as the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is, to uphold that pledge's spirit.
He called on citizens to remain resolute in leaving behind the tragic and violent past that plagued the nation and urged all to forge ahead with a peaceful and democratic national development agenda, ensuring a brighter future for both present and future generations.
The President pointed out that there has been an alarming surge in the propagation of "fake news, propaganda, and alternative facts," a phenomenon amplified through the reckless exploitation of social media. He said it falls upon everyone to collectively endeavor to harness the potential of social media as a conduit for truth and transparency throughout these crucial elections.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (23/06/23)
