By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
Ahead of the June 24th 2023 Multi-tier elections, and in support of President Bio’s re-election, nine (9) Political Parties which included the ADP, RUFP, UDM, NURP, PLP, CDC, UNPP, NDA and PDP, have all on Tuesday the 13th of June 2023, declared and endorsed President Julius Maada Bio’s re-election without a run-off, preaching peace and national cohesion before, during and after elections.
The purpose of the event of the nine political parties is to work together with optimism by consolidating the gains and accelerating effective and efficient political, Economic, and social transformation for sustainable National Development in Sierra Leone calling for peace and national cohesion amongst Sierra Leoneans.
The Running mate for the NDA described the occasion as a very historic event geared towards promoting National Cohesion and Unity. She said elections should not be about war and therefore, advised all supporters to be law-abiding and follow the direction of President Julius Maada Bio. She said President Bio had promoted the welfare of women which is the more reason he particularly called on her supporters to vote for President Bio without run-off.
The Running Mate for the PLP Saidu K. Manah said their declaration was the support and consolidate the gains President Bio had made for the country. He also affirmed that President Bio had done tremendously well which was the more reason they converged to endorse President Bio’s re-election without run-off.
While the Presidential Candidate for the Alliance Democratic Party ADP condemned the violence and encouraged all his supporters to vote peacefully in the 24th election.
The Presidential Candidate for the Citizens Democratic Party Mohamed Jonjo, also preached Peace and encouraged all and sundry to preach peace and maintain the peace the country is now enjoying. He called on the youth in particular to keep the peace in ensuring that the June 24 election goes peacefully.
The Presidential candidate for the RUFP asserted that there is no country that is peaceful and promoting national cohesion other than Sierra Leone. He said there is indeed tremendous freedom of speech and association especially under the leadership of President Bio and the SLPP.
The Minister of Tourism Memunatu Pratt, shared her experience on peace and National Cohesion. She added that since President Bio took over governance in 2018, he had done tremendously well in promoting peace, national cohesion and democratic good governance.
She added that the continuous development of Sierra Leone is to maintain the peace of the nation and that President Bio is a progressive Sierra Leonean due to his level of inclusivity and love for the welfare of women and children.
She called on all citizens to remain peaceful as they prepare for the June 24th 2023 election. On behalf of the leader of the SLPP and the Chairman of the Party, she expressed profound thanks and appreciation to all the nine political parties for endorsing President Bio’s re-election and also preaching peace and national cohesion as the country goes into the June 24th 2023 multi-tier elections.
