By Ragan M Conteh

In delivering his nation address after the Tripartite Committee, Dr Samura Kamara, has stated that his political party, the All People’s Congress (APC) has been able to demonstrate against the gross inconsistencies and mathematical impossibilities of ECSL’s partial 60% and 100% final presidential results announced.

He said it was noteworthy that that had only confirmed reports and skepticism by local and international elections observers.

He stated that considering these findings, one of their party key recommendations was to seek for a rerun of the elections to be conducted by ECOWAS immediately after the polls.

He pointed out that this step, if fulfilled, is essential to restoring the faith of the people in the country’s electoral process while ensuring that the true will of the Sierra Leonean people is reflected in the results.

Dr Kamara stated that the “integrity of the electoral process is the bedrock of democracy”, adding that voters of Sierra Leone deserve to see their votes are counted accurately and transparently.

Dr Samura said, but the ECSL’s refusal to provide this transparency clearly undermines the very foundation of the democratic system in the country.

“Our voters must have faith in the electoral process, and it is the duty of the ECSL to ensure this faith is upheld. The failure to produce the RRFs and the subsequent excuses offered are unacceptable. We must demand accountability and transparency in our elections to maintain the trust of the people,” he said.

He called for all to stand together in their demand for a transparent and fair electoral process.

He went on to say that they would continue to support the principles of democracy and ensure that the will of the people is respected and accurately reflected in the election’s results.

He maintained that the APC party leadership had been, for the past twelve months, totally immersed in the struggle to attaining electoral justice, on fighting to protect their votes.

He said this has been a very difficult battle to save democracy.

At the same time, he said, they had had to navigate the rough seas of doubters, ‘misinformers’, ‘disinformers’ and distractors.

He said he would assure all that it had not been easy.

In spite of all those troubles, he said, it is his firm conviction that the country must now depart from the “old normal”, which is, the business-as-usual style of politics.

He stated that there can be no progress, he said there’s no democracy where the people are ignored and deprived of their right to choose, adding that this is the desired politics for the people.

He pointed out that in light of what they’re seeing happening in many parts of the world, it will be insane for them, political leaders, civil society and international partners, to disregard the people’s demand for electoral justice in Sierra Leone.

“The sore that was opened in June 2023 cannot be healed unless it is cleaned,” he said.

He said what happened in Sierra Leone in June 2023 is a precedent, a very bad precedent, which, if not corrected, will be a template for future political parties to copy.

In this regard, he said, those who think that the same ECSL that conducted the disastrous 2023 elections will miraculously change and conduct a clean, credible and transparent election in 2028 are certainly dreaming.

He said that new laws will not change old and bad habits.

Therefore, he said, if the current ECSL leadership and personnel are not held accountable for the mismanagement of elections in 2023, they will surely be emboldened, and will close their ranks in order to deal the final blow on democracy in Salone.

Dr Kamara said he has chosen to address the people through this medium and not through a press conference because the memories of the days following the 2023 elections are still fresh in his mind.

“We lost nurse Mahawa and White boy, when State security forces shot at APC supporters, who had gathered at our headquarters in anticipation of the announcement of ECSL results.”

“May their souls and the souls of all those who lost their lives at the hands of security forces in that election rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.

He said he may have his faults, but one thing he has been very careful to avoid, is to allow his ambition for power to put the lives of his innocent supporters at risk.

For some people, he underscored that this may appear as a weakness, but he told the audience that it is a measure of respect for the dignity of human life.

At the same time, he went on to say that many had accused him unjustly of selling out the right of the people.

He said both actions are not and will never reflect his way of life.

“My personal choice remains to avoid these acts and remain, as always throughout my fulfilled professional career, a trusted servant of the people and country. Where I come from, honesty, reliability and integrity are compelling and demonstrated priorities. I do not believe in using the bullet or money to win power simply because I don’t know how to do that, and even if I have the power to do so, I certainly will not” he said.

On what are their next steps, , he said, the battle for electoral justice must now be owned by all levels of leadership in the APC, from, Wards and Constituency levels, to district and region, and from Samura Kamara to the party leadership.

He said this is not a time for discrimination; it’s a time to look at the cumulative turn of events that have brought the nation to where it is now.

“We cannot continue to be enablers of such massive electoral fraud. If we do not unite to save democracy now, trust me, we will lose the soul of our party forever,” he said.

He said as a party they need to demonstrate a willingness to defend the rights of their people.

He said the national party leadership has been very active to bring them to where they are today and that it is now the responsibility of the party to unite around the continued fight for electoral justice.

He stated that the international community, Civil Society Organizations, the media, religious leaders, and traditional heads maybe diplomatic in dealing with issues but cannot be neutral, in terms of upholding the truth and ensuring that the right thing is done in the interest of the citizens of this country.

But, he said, CSOs, the media and others have in many ways play an integral part to this journey, providing strategic technical, advisory and financial support.

He maintained that they must continue to bear responsibility likewise for any fundamental ‘spillages’, going forward, in their urge for freedom and democracy. Together, he said, they must all stand for electoral truth and justice.

Whatever it takes, he said, the mandate of the people should take precedence over the convenience of a political party or personal political ambition of others.

He said the implementation phase of the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee’s Report is soon to follow, and so cannot and must not ignore in addressing the inconclusive matters of the election results.

He states that emphasis on electoral management, legal and institutional reforms, “can never cure the electoral wrongs of 2023 elections,” and that is why, as a “people’s party, the APC will continue to demand a re-run.”

He said this recommendation by the APC for a rerun of the elections is the only way legitimacy can be seen while democracy is rescued.

He stated that there have been huge gaps between what the electorates are seeking and what we are giving them as politicians.

He informed that going to the 2023 elections, the people were increasingly angered by the high cost of living, the collapse of our currency, high taxation, high cost of electricity, transportation and food items, public institutions wrecked by unprecedented politicization and state capture, stagnating economic growth, and diminishing opportunities for employment and better livelihoods.

“It was against this background of untold hardship that they came out in huge numbers against all odds to vote for CHANGE of political party and leadership, but which was denied.

The ECSL’s election results make stark reading,” he claimed.

He said the APC will continue to honour the trust you place in us, “and I, personally, will continue to appreciate and honour the people’s trust and strength in him.”

“It is not over until it is over! It is not done and dusted,” he said.

He further said that the contentious issues are not just important, but they are crucial for the integrity and future of ensuring a democratic process.

“We are fully committed to resolving them in a manner that upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability deserved by our people,” he said.

“I want to emphasize that the dialogue continues, and we are not relenting in our pursuit of justice and truth. Building and strengthening democracy is a life-time journey. We must continue to talk to each other and to move together. Let us all think of our legacy in a Sierra Leone that is in post-conflict and democratic transition. The APC is steadfast in ensuring that every vote is counted accurately and transparently, and that the will of the Sierra Leonean people is respected. Our commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains unwavering,” he lamented.

He said: “let us not be swayed by doubts or misinformation.”

The journey to resolving these issues is ongoing, he said, and that they are making significant progress.

Understandably, he said, the public attention and interest have been shifted to the conclusions and report of the Tripartite Committee.

However, he said, it should not be forgotten that there are other important aspects of the Agreement for National Unity still remain unaddressed and unconcluded.

He mentioned the release of political prisoners, the removal of politically motivated court cases, the safe return of persons in exile for political reasons, and setting up a mechanism for sustainable inter-party dialogue.

He pointed out that the spirit of the Agreement is also meant to put an end to the targeted harassment and intimidation of the opposition, whether directly or indirectly.

“Your support and patience are invaluable as we navigate this complex and vital process.”

“I urge you all to continue to stay peaceful, united and hopeful,” he stated.

“Together,” he said, “we will continue to push for a resolution that reflects the true voices of the people and to share prosperous future.”