By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
In an effort to maintaining peace, unity and national prosperity regardless of individual and political differences, His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has launched The Independent Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review at State House in Freetown on 21 November 2023.
President Bio said the gathering of leaders and stakeholders deepens their democratic commitments and credentials as a nation; noting that it defines their shared contribution to forge peace, unity and national cohesion which Sierra Leone has become a beacon of admiration and growth to the entire world.
He mentioned that their meeting shows the world that their individual difference must have a commonplace in their readiness to serve the nation.
He recalled that following the June 2023 elections, and post-elections, concerns were raised about the conduct of the multi-tier elections and that forced him to set up a National Electoral System Review Committee with the view of strengthening the institutional, legal and operational regimes for subsequent elections.
‘’I note with utmost satisfaction and pride that during the Inter-party dialogue facilitated by ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth, under the auspices of Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, the parties adopted a 7 point resolution as a framework agreement for national unity and cohesion,’’ President Bio said.
His Excellency President Bio thanked the leadership of the main opposition party, and most especially its national leader Dr. Samura Kamara for embracing reconciliation devoid of their political differences. He said the disclosure of Resolution 3, which is the constitution of a tripartite committee for the review of electoral systems and management bodies, serves as a significant step in building systems, collectively working towards addressing the issues affecting the people as well as the democratic process.
He commended the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion for their steadfast role in bringing together international partners to foster a political dialogue after the June Elections. President Bio reaffirmed that the move serves as a testimony that though the country’s democracy might not be as matured as Sierra Leoneans might want, but the country showcases a growing democracy despite the immense challenges. He encouraged political parties especially the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party to support the search for common grounds, and help to bolster Sierra Leone’s electoral mechanisms.
