By Jesmed F Suma
There are those who argue that Sierra Leone does not need a political third force. They justify this argument by pointing to the fact that no party other than the All People’s Congress and the Sierra Leone People’s Party has ruledSierra Leone since independence in 1961; despite strong efforts made by several political parties over the last 15 years. I agree that only the APC and SLPP have ruled Sierra Leone in the last 51 years. However, I beg to differ that Sierra Leone does not need a third force. I believe Sierra Leone does need a third political party in determining its future course if it is to develop. I also strongly believe that the possibilities for a third party, creating serious political upset, are more present now than ever before. To develop a third party we must first understand the fundamental problems with our current political system. We must also ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of those who have failed in their attempts to develop a third force. Thecore problems with our party politics, which any third party must addressto create any chance of success, are wideranging. The deep-rooted historical, tribal and regional divisions between APC and SLPP is perhaps most critical, especially because they handed down by one generation to the other. Unlike opposing political institutions in other parts of the world, neither party is known for advancing a viable alternative based on ideology. Our current political system is corrupt and self-aggrandizing andthe politicians stand for nothing but themselves. They measure everything based on what is in it for them; hence the people are tired of this type of politics and are craving for an option. The internal structures, activities, nomination processes and operations of both these parties do not conform to democratic principles. They do not treat all party members as equals, do not give account of the party’s finances, do not specifically protect the interest of women and minorities and both are morally bankrupt. Therefore the governments they have led over the years have been morally bankrupt, undemocratic, and unscrupulous and shall continue to be until a real third force is founded to change this trajectory. The two-party political system has made politics become a battle to get to power or to maintain power rather than to represent the people and serve their interests. Someone may want to ask how come I believe a third force is possible in Sierra Leone when several others have failed in their attempts to establish such. The answer is simple: They failed because these parties were marred with the same problems associated with APC or SLPP. Each party was formed by individuals who were part and parcel of the institutional structures of the old system. Hence they carried with them the same problems. Secondly, these political parties were formed not out of ideological differences with the APC or SLPP, but because the founders felt cheated by the very system they espoused. Additionally, these political parties relied only on an iconic leader as was the case with Dr John Karefa-Smart who led the UNPP, Thaimu Bangura of the PDP and Charles Margai of PMDC. Hence, their names were synonymous with the names of the parties. As we have experienced over the years, once the leader goes the party dies with him. The next possible question one may ask iswhat any new third force would have to do differently to create the desired impact and a possible upset to make them a force to reckon with? I will endeavor to address these issues the next time I write for this paper. The reason I think the opportunities are evident todayfor a third force as we start counting down to the 2017/18 elections is based on the following: The current electorate, particularly the youths, has had the opportunity to experience the ineptitude of both SLPP and APC in the past 15 years. They have now experienced how both parties are good at making promises but always fail to deliver on those promises. The status quo in both parties would create a challenge for them in the 2017 elections if a serious third party emerges. Secondly, the SLPP would need at least $ 1 million to finance just the Presidential candidate for the 2017 election if they should stand any chance of winning. APC will have at least $ 2 millionto play with for the same election. Any other party with the right message, the right messenger, the right logistic and the right delivery mechanism would just need $ 750,000 to have a realistic shot at the Presidency. But, going by my years of experience observing politics in Sierra Leone particularly the APC & SLPP, I can predict the following: SLPP would be broke by 2017 and would barely be able to raise half a million dollars which would make the South/East very competitive for the party and where a well-organized third force should be able to take advantage. My other prediction: APC on the other hand would split by 2016 because certain egoistic self-centred members of the party would be drunk with looted money and would begin to entertain the belief that they can lead the party where the incumbent would want to choose his own successor. In my view thepresident should simply endorse his current Vice President to succeed him for 2017. It would be a mistake for him not to do so. On the other hand if he does endorse himthe northern wing of the party will defy him and a breakaway or desertion then becomes inevitable. Once that happens the North will be up for grabs, making it very competitive for the APC and a well-organized third force should be able to take advantage of such an opening. Both SLPP and APC still focus on winning elections and not solving problems. As we have seen so far, every appointment the President makes is linked to the agenda to serve the APC party rather than the country. People or members or supporters of both parties are controlled by cabals within which controlaffairs without regard to the masses. These cabals pursue their misguided sense of entitlement by playing to the same old game of regional and tribal divisions preventing the rest of the members of the party from thinking about real nation-wide solutions. The effective takeoff point for an effective third force will beto understand that public trust in our democratic system depends on trust for the political parties. Therefore the aspiring third force needs to do due diligence and ensure internal democracy and scrutiny. They need to take advantage of the electorate’s loss of faith and trust for the two dominant partiesby basing the image of the new party on hope and the future. There is a staggering void in the middle made up of some people who are currently associated with APC for survival and SLPP because there are no other viable options. Some others,including yours truly, remain without an abode. We constitute at least one-third of the electorate. To occupy that void a third force would have to address the central problems of our party politics head-on including the institutionalized regional and tribal division starting with the central elements of the party’s constitution. It should not be just about attacking APC and SLPP or about the past, it must be about the future by creating an agenda around which the people will rally. Every group would have to feel comfortable and be represented by this new party – a Kissi or a Vai does not have to pretend to be a Mende to be represented, nor does a Limba or Loko have to convert to a Temne to be represented. It’s going to be a delicate process but there is formula to it, similar to the approach Sir Milton Margai used during the formation of the SLPP. It must start from its inception, to include the process by which the founding members are constituted, the process by which the constitution is drafted and ratified. Collectively and judiciously the party members would have to portray an image of a party that focuses on proposing measures equal to our challenges to solve problems rather than just worry about winning elections. It is a must that the party be structured to reflect the regional and tribal diversity of the country and use that as strength and not a weakness. As always, better leadership in a well-organized political party starts with better followership, building the infrastructure and local networks for a new politics of problem-solving both at local and national levels. We must understand that a Third Force is not just about winning elections but, most importantly, it is about changing to debates to win on the issues and solve problems. For instance, the 19th Amendment that gave Women the rights to Vote was promoted by a third party in the US in 1920 by forcing the debates that led the Republicans and the Democrats to support the issue. There are other major changes in the US political history and around the world that were led by Third Parties. Currently several Governments around the world are led by third party candidates. In the UK the current power structure is shared with a third party. In conclusion, I believe if done right, a third force recognized by real identifiable socio-economic principles with the right structure and the right message, the right logistics and the right candidate, will create an upset in 2017/18 and the Party’s constitution would be the first selling point for recruitment. Jesmed F Suma is a public policy analyst, CEO and management consultant for BRIMCO Consulting based in NJ, USA.
