By Forum staff writer
The Parliamentary Spokesman of the All People’s Congress, Hon Dr Umpha Sorie Koroma, has defended the party’s decision to adopt boycott as part of its political strategy, insisting that such action is lawful and justified within the current political context.
Speaking during an interview on AYV’s Hot Seat programme, Mr Koroma stated that boycott remains a legitimate form of political expression and should not be misconstrued as an unlawful act. According to him, political parties have the right to adopt strategies they deem appropriate in response to national issues, particularly when concerns raised are yet to be addressed.
He emphasized that the APC has consistently engaged with relevant authorities in a bid to ensure that key recommendations outlined in the Tripartite Report are implemented. In particular, he referenced Recommendation 20, which calls for the establishment of a specific committee in Parliament to address electoral and governance concerns.
Koroma noted that the party has made several attempts to follow up on the matter, including reaching out through formal and informal channels. Despite these efforts, he indicated that progress has been slow, raising concerns about the level of commitment toward implementing the agreed recommendations.
He further argued that the success of the Tripartite process depends largely on the willingness of the government to act in good faith. According to him, the credibility of elections and public trust in democratic institutions are closely tied to how such agreements are honored and executed.
“If they are a government that wants to unite this country and wants the people to believe in elections, they will take the right decision,” he stated, stressing the importance of decisive and transparent action.
The APC spokesman also addressed what he described as misconceptions surrounding the nature of the Tripartite agreement. He clarified that the agreement is not informal or symbolic but carries formal weight and significance. In his view, describing it as a gentleman’s agreement undermines its seriousness and the expectations attached to it.
“This is not a gentleman’s agreement; a gentleman’s agreement can never be signed,” Dr Koroma remarked, reinforcing the notion that the document represents a binding commitment among stakeholders.
Political observers say his comments reflect growing pressure on the government to demonstrate progress in implementing the Tripartite recommendations. The process, which was initiated to ease political tensions and strengthen democratic governance, remains a key point of reference in ongoing political discourse.
Dr. Koroma maintained that the APC’s position is rooted in the desire to see reforms that will enhance transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral system. He reiterated that the party’s actions, including boycott, are intended to draw attention to unresolved issues rather than disrupt governance.
As the debate continues, his remarks add to the broader national conversation on political responsibility, institutional trust and the path toward sustainable democratic development in Sierra Leone.
