By Sylvester Suaray
In the ongoing electoral cycle in the United States of America (USA), the Democratic Party has shown how the old guards and current leaders of a political party could work together in the interest of the party and country. They recognise the necessity of presenting a united front to protect their country’s image, stability, and political integrity. They understood that this significant goal could only be achieved by defeating former President Trump, which would only be possible if they put up a much younger, much stronger, and much more vibrant candidate. The polls were clear, the public perception about the frail Joe Biden and the electorates’ concerns about whether he would be able to take on the task of president were palpable.
Joe Biden’s poor performances at a few rallies, his unsteady movements and the sorry optics of his physical strength fed into that apprehension about his fitness. Things came to a crescendo when during the first debate, he turned out to be incoherent, sometimes getting lost in the middle of his speech. To salvage the situation for the singular objective of accomplishing the daunting task of defeating Trump whom democrats and many liberal Americans believe is a dangerous person to be in the White House, they made the difficult decision of persuading the incumbent president Joe Biden to step aside for Kamala. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Obama and their spouses. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a host of senior Democrats all joined hands and spoke in unison appealing to President Biden. Once Biden conceded, everyone united behind Kamala Harris. Since then, the fortunes of the democratic campaigns have substantially improved. Kamala is now leading in every poll and many swing States.
The impact of the Democratic Party’s unity and strategic decision is evident for all to see. The possibility of defeating Trump could not be greater. That should be an invaluable political lesson to any political party that means business to win elections. It should shed light on the power of collective action. By prioritising the interests of their party and country over personal friendships and individual preferences, the Democrats successfully turned the electoral tides in their favour.
Throughout my previous articles, I have consistently stressed the importance of new and dynamic leadership within the All People’s Congress (APC) party. I will continue to advocate for this belief until it becomes a reality.
There is no doubt that the responsibility of revitalising the APC has fallen upon the shoulders of the young generation within the party. The party must either unite or relinquish this duty to those who have failed both the party and the nation. And we all know who they are.
In Sierra Leone’s political landscape, the main opposition needs to prioritise the interests of the party and the country. Drawing inspiration from the United States Democratic Party, which placed a higher value on the nation’s image, stability, and political integrity, the APC must learn valuable lessons in unity and strategic decision-making. By following the Democrats’ example of rallying behind a single candidate to defeat a divisive leader, the APC can overcome an existential threat and pave the way for fresh leadership that genuinely serves the best interests of the party and the nation.
The APC now faces an existential threat from the Bio-led Paopa Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). To overcome this threat, the APC must rise above personal agendas and prioritize the future of the party. It is essential for all members, both young and old, to act realistically, practically, and pragmatically. Friendships, and personal, religious, and ethno-regional considerations should not hinder the collective effort to remove the current SLPP administration.
The responsibility to unite the APC and confront the SLPP primarily lies in the hands of the younger generation. They must recognise the gravity of this task and understand that failure to act decisively will lead to severe judgment from future generations. A fresh and youthful leadership that transcends personal relationships will secure the party’s survival and contribute to the overall development of Sierra Leone.
As contenders emerge within the APC, they must maintain open dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and seek common ground. This engagement should not exclude the wisdom and guidance of the older generation; their experience can provide valuable insights. By remaining actively engaged and committed to a common goal, the APC can establish a united front capable of effective governance and securing the party’s future.
If we fail in this singular and critically important responsibility to remove this detrimental version of the SLPP from office, history will harshly judge the APC.
In my opinion, having young and fresh leadership for the party and country is imperative. Personally, I will thrive regardless of who emerges. I do not need a personal relationship with anyone to find my place in the next APC administration, and I believe this holds true for many others.
Therefore, I believe that all emerging contenders must keep the conversation going, be open to each other’s perspectives, and get their act together. However, I emphasize the importance of remaining engaged with the older generation throughout this process.
