By: Mohamed Sahr
All Political Parties Association Sierra Leone (APPA-SL) has requested political parties to come together and foster inclusive governance devoid of political sentiments and partisan interest in a press conference on Thursday at its headquarters in Freetown.
Prince Coker, Chairman of APPA said in order to facilitate good governance and inclusiveness as the right trajectory in the guise of upholding national cohesion, political parties needed to embrace togetherness and discouraged sentiments that would add fuel to the flames of country’s challenges. He admonished the government to establish a national dialogue forum that would address the present political tensions for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans. “APPA will continue to thank our development partners for their tremendous support to the people of Sierra Leone, as they seek to contribute to the future of democracy and good governance in Sierra Leone,” Coker said.
Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, National Secretary General of All Political Parties Association thanked President Julius Maada Bio for his reelection; adding the majority votes count of the people demonstrated the reinstalled of incumbent for the next five years. He felt proud of the outcome of the June 24th Multi-tier elections which showed no report of gender-based violence or any other cases 9f elections violence on women and children.
Sesay continued that APPA noted several credible organizations observation of the just-concluded general elections of they were fashioning after the elections and not inciteful statements.
He said APPA appreciated the establishment of the Electoral Review Committee which His Excellency President Bio launched in order to improve on electoral processes in Sierra Leone.”We kindly request that the membership of the review committee be inclusive with political parties playing a key role in the entire process,” APPA Secretary General affirmed.
Fatimah Dugba, Acting Leader Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) said APPA would continue to maintain its credibility and position towards the support of unity and national cohesion. She furthered that democracy provides an open door dialogue for peace and good governance to make progress.
Sheriff Barrie, Deputy Chairman of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) said the political history of Sierra Leone would not submerge the long existing peace. He urged Sierra Leoneans to be law abiding citizens and help promote unity and active participation in governance processes.