BY MOHAMED SAHR
In the wake of heightened speculation regarding the possibility of a re-run of the June 2023 Presidential election in Sierra Leone, the All Peoples Congress (APC) has firmly dismissed such notions, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation by the Tripartite Committee tasked with assessing past electoral conduct.
Addressing concerns and assertions from APC party supporters, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Sidi Yayah Tunis, unequivocally stated that discussions surrounding a potential re-run of the 2023 elections are premature and baseless. Speaking at the Podium edition held on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Tunis warned against entertaining such notions before the conclusions and recommendations of the Tripartite Committee are tabled.
Tunis highlighted the commitment of the APC to the investigative process, stressing the importance of awaiting the Committee’s recommendations. He emphasized that any talk of a re-run of the 2023 elections at this stage is unwarranted and without merit.
The stance taken by the APC leadership stands in contrast to the concerns raised by some party supporters, hinting at the potential for dissatisfaction should a re-run be disregarded. However, Tunis urged party members to remain patient and trust in the ongoing investigative process.
In a significant move towards national reconciliation and unity, the APC and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the two main political rivals, recently signed an agreement on June 3rd, 2024. This agreement aims to foster cooperation, enhance national unity, and combat hate speech both internally and externally.
Tunis hailed the agreement as a positive step towards national cohesion, emphasizing the importance of embracing peace and unity for the advancement of Sierra Leone’s democracy. He warned against the dangers of hate speech, tribal incitement, and unlawful protests, reaffirming that anyone found culpable of inciting unrest would face the full force of the law, regardless of their political affiliation.
As Sierra Leone navigates through a delicate period characterized by political tensions and the need for national unity, the APC’s dismissal of election re-run speculations underscores a commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
