The political mixture … a critical decision ahead
Fifty one years ago, one may be forgiven to wonder what politics and politicians have contributed towards enhancing development in the country. (Food for thought). However political disruptions like coup d’états, the bad examples of power thirst politicians, and corrupt ‘’pawopa’’ military usurpers that undemocratically and illegally imposed themselves on the people of this country have not been worth remembering. These so called politicians were basking themselves in blatant disregard of democratic principles, human rights violations and lack of respect for the people of this country.
Tomorrow, the people of this country will be going to the polls to elect a leader who will respond to the felt needs of the general populace of Sierra Leone. Eight political parties are making relentless effort to win the giant prize although only the two major political parties have governed the country the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). However, this piece will critically examine the candidates presented by the two political parties His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma (APC) and Julius Maada Bio (SLPP). Although it is no longer safe to talk about political strongholds, it is generally believed that the former has its powerbase in the northern and western regions of the country, while the latter is mostly derived from the East and the South.
In making such analysis, this piece will be focusing on the credentials and track records of the two most hopeful candidates taking into consideration their road to the political scene, their responsiveness to the people’s need, human rights records and their adherence to democratic principles especially good governance. These are teething issues that must be answered by any candidate vying for such an important office in the land. The SLPP claims to have the most educated and experienced political pundits of our time. However, this has not been reflected in their governance and decision making. Come to think of it, choosing a flag bearer has to do with serious critical thinking in order to get the right and marketable aspirant that has the high likelihood to get the people’s embrace and acceptance. It is a fact that Julius Maada Bio was a fore runner of the undemocratic usurpation of power of the 1992 coup which was characterized by grave human rights abuse and disregard of democratic principles of good governance. Every political party therefore must endeavour to choose an aspirant with an impeccable character which will ensure littler efforts in marketing the said candidate. WHY THE CHOICE? When the SLPP chose Maada Bio as their flag bearer, ex-president Kabbah strongly supported him. This support, however, has raised several criticisms among members of the public as ex-president Kabbah has made several disparaging words against Julius Maada Bio while in office as president. A friend told me that mentioning Mr. Bio’s name re-awakens bitter memories of the extra judicial killing of Bambay Kamara and 28 others.(serious PR work eh?). the citizens of this country are no longer fools.. What a mixture!!! KABBAH AND BIO. How sincere is Kabbh’s support to Bio or did he think his disparaging words on Bio are forgotten? Definitely not and please’leh kabbah know say dis nor to pension game’’ sierra Leoneans must be careful about the decision they make in November polls because that decision could make or break the country for the next five years. Please right thinking sierra Leoneans take a decision that will bring peace, development and prosperity to our beloved country. it is a common knowledge that presidential candidate Bio is very troubled by the several defections from the opposition SLPP for reasons most political analysts believe is the loss of confidence on the leadership of the SLPP.
On the other hand, His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma continues to grow with soaring support from all parts of the country. as president of the country, he has made his mark during his five years tenure of office fulfilling his promises to fight corruption, build a shamble economy and building a firm base for sustained development reflected in the government widely acclaimed document Agenda For Change and unifying the country and consolidating the peace. These achievements have endeared the president to win the people’s confidence reflected in his international recognition that has earned him several awards for leadership qualities and performance. (He recently won the abolitionist award 2012). Under president Koroma astute leadership he has made tremendous effort in the unification of the country through a government of national cohesion, regain the people’s confidence, built and maintained and unblemished human rights record, and his development strides has been able to garner support and investors to develop several aspects of the economy and our beloved mama Salone
Remember, therefore, a day’s decision you make on election day will be reflected on your individual and national development. So think wisely and vote wisely.
by Mohamed Thullah
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