BY HASSAN OSMAN KARGBO
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara has said democracy should go beyond elections and political representation, stressing the need for accountability, opportunities and meaningful participation by citizens.
Kamara made the remarks while speaking on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone, where he discussed the importance of citizens being able to express themselves and hold those in authority accountable.
He said democracy is commonly described as government of the people, but argued that its meaning extends beyond the representation of citizens.
“We normally define democracy as government of the people, but I tell you, it goes beyond that. It is also about accountability and creating opportunities for citizens,” Kamara said.
According to him, elected representatives have a responsibility to ensure that citizens’ concerns are properly reflected in governance and decision making.
He said citizens should not only be given the impression that their voices matter, but should have genuine opportunities to express their views on issues affecting their lives.
“Democracy is not just about representing the people; it is also about ensuring that their voices are not only seen to be heard, but are genuinely heard,” he said.
Kamara also spoke about the role of protests in a democratic society, describing them as one of the ways citizens can express concerns when they feel their representatives are unable to speak on their behalf.
He said protests should not be viewed only as a means of criticising government, but also as a channel through which citizens can make their concerns known.
“Protests in a democracy are not only about calling out the government when things are going wrong; they also give citizens a voice to speak for themselves when those who represent them cannot speak on their behalf,” Kamara said.
His comments come amid continued discussions in Sierra Leone about democratic participation, accountability and the role of citizens in national affairs.
The Opposition Whip’s remarks placed emphasis on the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives, particularly the responsibility of public officials to listen to the concerns of the people they serve.
Kamara’s comments also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for citizens to participate in democratic processes beyond voting during elections.
He said a functioning democracy should provide space for citizens to express their views, raise concerns and engage with those responsible for making decisions on their behalf.
