Dear Sir,
Voters’ Identification Cards
I write to register my displeasure on the validity and distribution of the current voters’ identification cards, which do not really identify the holders and cannot assure the desired transparency and accountability the citizens are yawning for in the 24th June, 2023 coming general elections.
Sir, attaching importance of the coming elections to the growth and development of our democracy, it is with deep regret that the current identification cards do not match the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone. Comparing the identification cards issued in the last general elections in 2018 with your present identification cards, it is unconditionally clear that the former holds more credibility compared to your recent voters’ identification cards on distribution.
Sir, transparency and accountability and the guiding rails of democracy. Therefore, it is obligatory upon your commission to incorporate the principles of transparency and accountability if we were to count on your institution for conducting free and fair elections.
Sir, taking close looks at the identity cards, it is clear to realize how substandard and indistinct these cards are, which of cause do no not support the tenancy of democracy in the conduct of a credible and transparent elections. Suspiciously, one is left with no options but to imbibe the concept of rigging to the sustenance of the commission’s desired stimulus.
Sir, the pictures on the identification cards are blurred and difficult to identify the individual, as time will not permit for computerized identification of the said holders in time of the conduct of the elections come June 24th, 2023 by the assigned electoral officers.
Sir, there is every possibility of voting exploitations, where gross impersonation are expected to be exhibited. Also, the explanation of how some of the cards will be distributed to neighbouring Liberia, where some of your data officers cross to register resident Liberians as Sierra Leoneans. No legitimate agreements were made for cross boarder registration with any of neighbouring countries, Guinea and Liberia. (Evidence of this will be provided on demand). Some of the registrations were fraudulently done, which I believe your commission is fully aware of.
Sir, it is better to have the elections postponed than to conduct fake elections that will not reflect the views of the electorate. Again, taking into consideration the amount of money spent to print these unidentified voters’ registration cards, have tied the neck of the commission into an immense humiliation. There is every requirement to suspect vote rigging, corruption in the print of these identification cards. Money allocated for the print of these cards not properly utilized as shown in the identification cards.
Sir, with the current development, wherein trust of the commission has become very incredible, it is advisable that the whole process of voters’ registration be re-run to make the commission very credible in up keeping with democratic principles.
Sir, the other day was the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC) press release, banning political rallies which was discarded by the Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) of which the President and first lady continue to mount political campaigns with levity throughout the political districts of Sierra Leone without any comment from the PPRC. This indicates that the two commissions are working in consonant to rub the electorate of their political rights.
Sir, the commission has been viewed as a neutral body with transparency and accountability to conduct credible elections.
The political faith of the nation is in your hands. The current take on the identification cards has created doubt on your neutrality to conduct the said elections.
Sierra Leone is owned by all Sierra Leoneans, and all Sierra Leoneans must enjoy the freedom of liberty to choose or elect a government of the people, by the people and for the people without any hindrance.
Sir, your printed identification cards are blurred and must be replaced with distinct ones. If these blurred identification cards are to be used, this will render the whole electoral process as fraudulent and incredible.
Looking forward to your reaction,
I rest my case.
Yours faithfully,
Maada Kapindi M’boma.
