Ahead of the November polls … what do we expect?
As the days tickle down to the November 17th polls, every eligible voter is looking forward to casting his/her vote for the candidate he/she deems it fit. This has raised the political debate and argument among various sectors of society. Every political stalwart at this time is politically passionate of putting forward self acclaimed reasons as to what should make his candidate becomes the next president of the republic.
As Election Day draws near, quality representation and good governance (I am sure) are the aspirations shared by most Sierra Leoneans. These aspirations are born out from the burning desires of Sierra Leoneans to see their country move forward to an enviable height that will be reflected in the efforts made in the development and progress of the country. In all of these, it will be of immense help to every voter to take a retrospective look of the country’s progress by a way of enabling them make an informed decision during the polling day and this brings to mind that elections are not only conducted for people to exercise their franchise (constitutional guarantee) but for citizens to elect their leaders and representatives to provide the necessaries of life and make appreciable responds to their felt needs.
In making analysis of the people’s expectations in the forth coming multi-tier elections, a prudent mind will not exclude the contents of what is encapsulated in the manifestos of the two major political parties viz (THE APC AND SLPP). I suspect somebody will say manifestos are just mere words. Yes they are, but it is time for Sierra Leoneans to take a critical look at these fabulous promises and see whether they are achievable and how they can improve the lives of the ordinary man. If a genesis of this culture is cultivate at a crucial elections like this and this attitude or aspect is being transferred to the decision they make on the polling day then it is a step in the right direction to having quality representation into positions of trust.
Elections in Africa are sometimes marred by violence. In Sierra Leone, we have seen efforts made by civil society groups, the media, election stakeholders, musicians etc to having a violence free election. Listening to the radio the other day about election violence, I heard two catchy words … “perpetrators of violence and instigators of violence’’.
Why must we fight when there are elections? This is definitely not what is expected of us considering the unworthy memories of our past. It is no gainsaid to mention the negative repercussions of political violence that have erupted in Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Zimbabwe etc. The youths of this country must not sit with complacent minds and allow politicians to use them to be part of any form of violence. I am sure the youths of this country are looking forward to a whole range of opportunities that will be use to improving their lives and government creating the enabling environment for them to be in a position that will build their pursuit on self sufficiency. The fact that we (the youths) have the right to exercise our franchise and belong to any political party of our choice does not mean we should see ourselves as enemies. We are all Sierra Leoneans and everything we do must reflect the love and peace we want for mama Salone. In as much as tremendous efforts are being put towards ensuring peaceful elections sends a clear message of what the citizenry is envisaging. In all of these the National Electoral Commission (NEC) must ensure that we have fair, credible and transparent elections. The recently concluded U.S election is a classical example that Sierra Leoneans must learn from. It was peaceful and violence free and you marveled at the level of patriotism and love they showcased for that great nation.
In Africa it is very rare for politicians to concede defeat at their elections. This vice has been a major factor for political violence and instability in Kenya, Ivory Coast for example. African leaders must learn to seek the interest of the country first and cultivate the idea that the country is bigger than any political party. Governor Romney having sensed defeat called president Obama and congratulated him and said ‘’I so wish to lead the country but the Americans have made their choice and I wish the president success in guiding our nation’’ and ended ‘’thank you and God Bless the United States’’. Listening to this speech I was overwhelmed and said to myself how I wish this is emulated by our politicians in the forth coming multi tier elections. These elections as said by former U.S President Jimmy Carter is a critical test to the strength of our country’s democracy and the will of the people must be allow taking precedence.
The security sector in the country is facing the biggest test and challenge in this crucial time of our history. The security apparatus at this time must endeavour to have security presence in all polling stations before, during and after polling to ensure that everything goes according to the confines of the electoral process.
Sierra Leoneans let us go to the polls and cast our vote peacefully, return home and refrain from any intimidation or provocative comments that will trigger uproar. GOD BLESS SIERRA LEONE.
By Mohamed Thullah
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