By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
The aftermath of the 2024 election in Sierra Leone has been marred with controversies surrounding the integrity of the election process. This has left a lot of uncertainty among supporters of the two major political parties in the country, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC). The tripartite committee set up to investigate the irregularities connected with the election has further deepened this uncertainty.
The SLPP and APC are both known for their passionate supporters who are unwavering in their loyalty towards their parties. The uncertainty that has permeated the political atmosphere of the country has left many of these supporters confused and anxious about what lies ahead for their parties. The tripartite committee set up to investigate the alleged irregularities has not yet released its findings, which have left SLPP and APC supporters with a lingering sense of unease.
This state of uncertainty is further compounded by the fact that both parties have shown a lack of confidence in the electoral process. The APC has accused the SLPP of manipulating the election, while the SLPP has claimed that the APC is trying to invalidate the results through nefarious means. This kind of back and forth has led to a situation where both parties are unwilling to accept the results of the election and are instead hunkering down and preparing for what they see as an impending political showdown.
The political impasse that has engulfed Sierra Leone presents an opportunity for the political elite to come together and work towards finding a solution that will benefit the country as a whole. It is important for both the SLPP and APC to set aside their political affiliations and work towards finding common ground that will enable the country to move forward.
One way to achieve this is by forming a joint committee to investigate the electoral irregularities that have been alleged. This joint committee would consist of members from both parties as well as independent observers. Its mandate would be to investigate the alleged irregularities thoroughly and to release its findings in a transparent and timely manner. This would help to restore trust in the electoral process and to assuage the concerns of supporters of both parties.
The SLPP and APC must also engage in constructive dialogue aimed at finding a way forward. This dialogue should involve the leadership of both parties as well as representatives from civil society and the international community. The dialogue should focus on finding ways to build trust between the two parties, to address the concerns of their respective supporters, and to work towards creating a more inclusive political system that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
In conclusion, the state of uncertainty that has engulfed Sierra Leone as a result of the tripartite committee set up to investigate the irregularities connected to the June 2024 elections is a cause for concern. However, it is an opportunity for the political elites to come together and find a way forward. The SLPP and APC must engage in constructive dialogue and form a joint committee to investigate the alleged irregularities. This will help to build trust and create a more inclusive political system that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
