By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Flagbearer and Presidential aspirant for the main opposition All Peoples Congress party 2023, Dr Samura M.W Kamara, has blast for Electoral Commissions of Sierra Leone (ECSL) for what he said the ECSL is incompetent and has failed to provide transparency in how the June 23 multi-tie election votes were tallied.
He made this statement on 7th July 2023, during his address to the nation on the outcome of the Tripartite Committee report.
According to Dr. Samura Kamara, it’s unfortunate that the fundamental right had been denied to the people, adding that the ECSL has failed to provide transparency in how the votes were tallied. He said one of the excuses of the ECSL was that they are not required by the Constitution of Sierra Leone to be transparent in this regard. He noted that another excuse they gave was that the Results Reconciliation Forms (RRFs) are classified information and Dr Samura said this lack of transparency is deeply troubling.
He continued that the ECSL has been unable to produce any credible evidence of the numbers they assigned to all candidates in the elections. Adding that equally alarming is the fact that the SLPP party, which was declared the winner, has also failed to provide any credible evidence to support the votes they were assigned. It was indeed strange that both the elections management body and the party declared as winners cannot produce tangible evidence to support their claims. This coincidence is too significant to ignore.
“Moreover, the ECSL has been unable to produce any credible evidence of the numbers they assigned to all candidates in the elections. Equally alarming is the fact that the SLPP party, which was declared the winner, has also failed to provide any credible evidence to support the votes they were assigned. It is indeed strange that both the elections management body and the party declared as winners cannot produce tangible evidence to support their claims. This coincidence is too significant to ignore,” he said.
The integrity of our electoral process is the bedrock of our democracy. The voters of Sierra Leone deserve to know that their votes are counted accurately and transparently. The ECSL’s refusal to provide this transparency undermines the very foundation of our democratic system.
He mentioned that, their voters must have faith in the electoral process, and it is the duty of the ECSL to ensure this faith is upheld. He said that the failure to produce the RRFs and the subsequent excuses offered are unacceptable. They must demand accountability and transparency in their elections to maintain the trust of the people.
He admitted that, they need to stand together in their demand for a transparent and fair electoral process.
“Let us continue to support the principles of democracy and ensure that the will of the people is respected and accurately reflected in the election results.
The APC party leadership and I have been, for the past twelve months, totally immersed in the struggle for electoral justice, the fight to protect your votes. This has been a very difficult battle to save our democracy. At the same time, we have had to navigate the rough seas of doubters, misinformers, disinformers and distractors, and I can assure you that it has not been easy but also not insurmountable,” he said.
Dr. Samura Kamara said that the national party leadership has been very active to bring them to where they are today. It is now the responsibility of the party to unite around the continued fight for electoral justice.
The international community, Civil Society Organizations, the media, religious leaders, and traditional heads may be diplomatic but cannot be neutral, in terms of upholding the truth and ensuring that the right thing is done in the interest of the citizens of this country. They have been in many ways an integral part of this journey, providing strategic technical, advisory and financial support. They must continue to bear responsibility likewise for any fundamental slippages, going forward, in our urge for freedom and democracy. Together, he said they must all stand for electoral truth and justice.
“Whatever it takes, the mandate of the people should take precedence over the convenience of a political party or personal political ambition. The implementation phase of the recommendations in the Tripartite Committee’s Report, soon to follow, cannot and must not ignore addressing the inconclusive matter of the election results. Emphasis on electoral management, legal and institutional reforms, though important going forward, can never ever cure the electoral wrongs of 2023 elections, and that is why, as a people’s party, the APC will continue to demand a re-run. This recommendation by the APC for a rerun of the elections is the only way legitimacy can return to Government, and democracy rescued,” he noted.
