By Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK)
As the tenure of the Electoral Commissioners come to an end, our country finds itself at a crossroads. Ordinarily, the departure of Electoral Commissioners should be marked by reflections on service, integrity, and the strengthening of democracy. But in this case, the legacy will be remembered painfully for all the wrong reasons.
From the early days, it became evident that the Commission’s leadership was controversial. Recalling, that Electoral Commission staff, during the Sambaia-Bendugu council bye-election in Ward 155, changed figures from 049 to 149 in favor of the ruling party candidate. Shockingly, that individual was later promoted. An action that openly rewarded manipulation and set a dangerous precedent.
The 2023 general elections marked the darkest chapter of our electoral processes. Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life demanded transparent, credible elections, a process in which every vote would count and every voice would matter. Instead, we witnessed shameless charade of results, deliberate delays, and the unforgivable refusal to publish disaggregated polling station data. International Observers reported that the elections lacked transparency and failed to meet minimum standards.
This abysmal management of the election, was not just a betrayal of opposition parties or individual candidates; it was a betrayal of the very foundation of democracy. The withholding of detailed results, denied citizens the right to verify the integrity of their own electoral process, a right fundamental to any functioning democracy.
After five years, we still do not have a strengthened commission or a proud democratic legacy. Our nation is more divided, with citizens questioning the fairness of the very institution, meant to protect and preserve their votes.
But from this dark moment, comes an urgent call: Sierra Leone must pursue comprehensive electoral reforms. We cannot simply replace personnel and expect change. We must rebuild the integrity of the Electoral Commission itself, that is to say, processes, systems, and culture. This will restore public trust and ensure no future leader can ever manipulate the will of the people.
History will remember this administration, not for guiding Sierra Leone towards democratic maturity, but for widening the trust deficit between the people and the government.
May the exit ignite a national resolve to never again allow our democracy to be held hostage and Sierra Leoneans becoming manipulated people.
