By: Problyn J. Alpha
Residents of Koidu City, Kono District, have expressed growing frustration over the long-overdue resolution of the controversial Sierra Leone Traders Union (SLTU) Kono Branch executive elections. The committee tasked with investigating the issue has made little progress, according to some locals who spoke to this medium.
The residents noted that the committee, which was formed to review the circumstances that led to the deadlock in the elections, has taken little or no action since its establishment. The delay in addressing the matter has left many questioning the effectiveness of the committee and the transparency of the process.
The elections, which ended in a deadlock, were marred by numerous electoral irregularities and allegations of political interference. These issues eventually drew the attention of government officials, including the Resident Minister for the Eastern Region, the Minister of Trade and Industry, and both the regional and national executives of the Sierra Leone Traders Union, who sought to address the concerns surrounding the controversial elections.
As a temporary solution, stakeholders who convened to resolve the dispute unanimously appointed Usman Fofanah, one of the candidates in the election, as the caretaker of the Sierra Leone Traders Union Kono Branch. This decision was made while the committee was expected to investigate the election issues. However, despite the appointment, the committee has yet to take significant steps to resolve the situation.
In a phone interview with our correspondent, Alie Lemoh, the Regional Chairman of the Sierra Leone Traders Union East, apologized for the continued delay in reconducting the elections. He explained that similar challenges in the union’s Kenema branch had required attention, which had delayed the process in Kono.
Lemoh disclosed that the union plans to reconduct the Kono branch elections once the rainy season ends. He appealed to the union members to remain law-abiding and assured them that “late is better than never.” He also took the opportunity to thank the current caretaker for his maturity and leadership in the interim and encouraged him to remain steadfast.
In his closing remarks, Lemoh praised the other candidates involved in the election for their restraint and peaceful approach to the situation. He emphasized the importance of peace, stating that “peace is the roadmap to sustainable development.”