By Ragan M. Conteh

“The National Elections Watch (NEW) have not only identified and confronted the cost of unforgivable electoral theft in our nation’s history, with evidence, but have also courageously challenged the legal breaches and potential irregularities throughout the 2023 Electoral cycle, bringing to light the unfortunate reality of a national disgrace that has, regrettably, tarnished our country’s democratic tenets, ” says Hon. Aaron Koroma.

The Deputy Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon Aaron Koroma made the submissions on the invitation of the National Elections Watch (NEW), with a national focus on ‘Mobilizing the Civil Society Community towards Genuine Electoral Reform, Peace, and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone.’

According to Hon Aaron, he said the need for such a gathering is obvious and needs not be exaggerated.

“I must state that I am inspired with a sense of profound responsibility and firm optimism. As a Party, we believe that these efforts mark a pivotal era in our nation’s quest for democratic renewal and integrity,” he said.

Hon Aaron disclosed that with the continued protestations of my party, the All People’s Congress (APC), in the aftermath of the June 24, 2023, multi-tier elections; he acknowledged and commended the bold and unrelenting efforts of NEW and its partners for creating the platform today to chart the way forward towards a genuine electoral reform, peace, and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.

He emphasized that it is no secret that Sierra Leone’s political landscape has been alarmingly narrowed with severe state suppression.

The opposition deputy Leader said the countless affronts against the democracy by institutions meant to uphold it are not mere incidents but a painful reflection of the growing systemic challenges facing the nation’s democracy and national security.

He went on that among other wrongdoings, the disturbing oppression of opposition leaders and supporters along with the blatant human rights and constitutional violations including the rogue mid-term census; the forceful

change of the country’s electoral system to Proportional Representation; extrajudicial killings; burning of APC Party offices, destruction of property of known opposition supporters particularly in the South and Eastern regions; the removal of ten APC Members of Parliament; the Bar Association Elections, and the removal of the Auditor General, are some of the red flags pointing to insecurity that must be condemned, in no uncertain terms, by all those who value justice and democratic integrity.

Sadly, he informed that a huge faction of the one time vocal actors and leaders within the Civil Society and Media landscape, including some of those present in the meeting have been unusually quiet and indifferent to most of these critical issues.

He pointed out tgag the conference represents more than a forum for dialogue; it is a call to action, integrity, and honesty.

In that light, he said “we must not be afraid to say the uncomfortable truth to heal the wounds which were opened before, during, and after the June 24, 2023, multi-tier elections.

We must use this opportunity to deepen our understanding, collaboration, and discourse in order to ensure that the Civil Society of Sierra Leone is unified, passionate, and steadfast in its pursuit of genuine electoral reforms, peace, and national cohesion,” he stated.

The MP said as they engage in these genuine discussions, let them be guided not only by the lessons of the past but by the aspirations for the country’s future.

He said let the contours of the dialogue be shaped by the enduring principles of justice, fairness, and shared prosperity.

“Our resolve must be firm, and our actions unified towards the singular goal of reclaiming the soul of our beloved Sierra Leone,” he pleaded.

He said the conference must also commit to promoting peace and reconciliation in the communities.

He said the nation is rich in

diversity, and it is this diversity that should be their greatest strength.

“Yet, we have seen how easily it can become a source of division. We must actively work to bridge the gaps that separate us, to foster dialogue

where there is disagreement, and to build partnerships that transcend our differences,” he asserted.

As a representative of my party, he said, the APC, he take the opportunity to call for close collaboration between the Parliament of Sierra Leone and the Civil Society groups through the Parliament-Civil Society Network

( PalCSONet), launched in Parliament on 17 July 2024, in their collective efforts to promote democratic good governance in Sierra Leone.

“I cannot emphasize the critical role which CSOs can play to enable the wheels of governance to spin smoothly—this can only be done if members of Civil Society Organizations

refrain from being Civil Society politicians (CSPs).

I must end with an invite to call upon each of you to join in this commitment to genuine electoral reform, peace, and national cohesion,” he said.

He maintained that let them be the architects of a brighter future, where democracy flourishes, where peace prevails, and where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.

Together, he said the country can build a Sierra Leone that reflects their highest ideals and aspirations – a ‘Mama Salone’ that we all can  be proud to call home.