Elections in Sierra Leone 2007
It is a relief to finally have the date of the next elections announced by the president last week. This came shortly after United Kingdom's International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn called for a date to be announced. The date is July 28th.
Its funny yesterday I spoke to a friend of mine in Sierra Leone who had no idea the date had been set. It made me wonder whether those of us in the Diaspora were actually looking forward to these elections more than our compatriots in the country. It seems as if every time I ask someone in country about the elections, their response inevitably starts with a heavy sigh.
From what I understand, it is going to come down to a choice of one among three parties – The ruling party (SLPP), the main opposition (APC) and the new comer (PMDC). Funnily enough, it is the newcomer that is proving to be the main challenge for the SLPP. They have chosen to brand themselves as a sort of “third force” which most had been stating is necessary to keep Sierra Leone’s democracy alive. There is still some work for all three parties to do though, some of which includes getting their internal affairs in order.
From an outsiders point of view my main concern is that the elections come and go as free, fair and peaceful as possible. Stability more than anything else is what Sierra Leone needs right now – kinda like a recovering addict – one bad experience could undo any positive steps we have taken over the past few years. With that in mind I hope this is at the forefront of the minds of these parties when the results are out – and the future of Sierra Leone and its people is put above all else.
Good luck to the parties and may the best outfit win. Your people need you to deliver; your people need good strong visionary leadership badly. Keep this in mind when their confidence that you are the party to deliver is expressed in July 28 2007.
posted by Di Chinch @ 11:49 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Natahsa,
Thanks for taking this time and interest in Sierra Leone. It is about time for the leaders of that country to take the interest of the entire nation at heart over any selfish desires of theirs and build that country. I wish them good luck and the entire world is watching. I am presently residing in the USA and intend to take my children for the first time for vacation prior to the election.
Fatima
U.S.A.
Natasha,
Elecions are supposed to be a forum through which the electorates espress their franchise and mandate on several issues or even participate in running their country. But elections in my country Sierra Leone has be plaqued by violence, rigging and confussion to the point of eliminated so many people from this noble right.
Is the next election going to be free of all these vices? This is something I want all patriotic Sierra Leoneans to join me in shedding light on. The imcumbent SLPP is determined to win this election by any means. The opposition party APC is prepared to fight to the last in winning the election. The new comer PMDC is unwavering in it's quest to the sit of power. All is good for the democratic process, but which of these parties is really thinking of SIERRA LEONE as a country. In a country where most of the populace is illiterate, the burden lies on the shoulders of the few educated to enlighten the rest of the country about their civic duties. I imploy every patriotic citizen of the land we all love, to use any medium at your disposal to spread a message of free and fair elections.
Jawara
Maryland
U.S.
It's time for the next winning party to deliver the good Sierra Leoneans had long been waiting for and i wish all the parties involve good luck.
Lets praise the efforts of Tejan Kabba ofcourse we cannot blame him for any failure no head of state can retore what thcountry has lost in a two term period.I hope the best is yet to come.
first of all they should keep all nprc guys in jail they 100%contributed to the down fall of that beautiful country of sierra leone i m talking out of expereince,tom nyuma and the rest should put behind bars for the rest of their entire life he his a thief and murderer.
my there country people vote for me in the near future,sierra leone wiil free from selfish,and murdere,but i m not a politician.i m inviting every one to send me an e-mail.
thanks
mo
edmonton canada
p/s vote for charles maigai,i dont know him,but he seem to an honest leader.
please send me an e-mail for what you think,about the next coming fake election,once again i wish them good luck
Thanks to all those who are participating in the sierra leone election we pray for peace and a good government a government of peace and unity,because united we stand divided we fall as elections are always rigged with violence and bloodshell.
We pray for god to protect our people and our country and the election to be peaceful.
Love your country love your people and vote for the right government that will eradicate us from all boundage.
Dauda
London
13:08
The "national" elections constitute a category mistake: a fairly more appropriate determination may be "tribal" elections. There is nothing wrong with the latter elections, unless one uncritically swallows the Euro-centric myth of the "nation state," imposed on 'Sierra Leone' by the despostic British imperialists. On the other hand, I find nothing wrong with either economic or cultural imperialism: only the losers anguish over the spoils of imperialism. The sober approximation to truth in politics is that, despite metaphysico-ethical indirect arguments, MIGHT MAKES RIGHT.
It is unfortunate for the citizens of Sierra Leone to once again fall into the propaganda trap that APC Party has cast over the country. I mean, this is the same corrupt party that brought the devastating 9 year brutal and senseless civil war. Sierra is a beautiful country with great potential, being exploited for its natural resources (diamonds). When will we wake up and have some pride and dignity. How can a member and supporter of the RUF become a president of Sierra Lone; once again? There is greed and blood running this campaign and I am horrified that this party will rule the Republic of Sierra Leone. What will happen to this country will it again go into a civil war?
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