By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The All People’s Congress (APC), Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, announced today its decision to suspend participation in the concluding sessions of the Tripartite Committee, citing unresolved grievances with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.
In a press statement dated June 14, 2024, the APC expressed dissatisfaction with the SLPP’s representatives on the committee, accusing them of obstructing efforts to verify election results released by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The APC demanded access to disaggregated vote data from polling stations, which it claims is essential for a comprehensive review of the June 24, 2023, elections.
“The APC remains committed to the terms of the National Unity Agreement, but we regretfully observe that the SLPP government has failed to uphold its commitments,” the statement read.
The APC further alleged that the government’s involvement had hindered ECSL’s cooperation in releasing crucial information needed by the committee to complete its assessment of the electoral outcome, particularly concerning the contentious 60 percent of announced results.
The party’s decision to suspend participation in the Tripartite Committee comes amidst rumors of planned protests allegedly linked to the APC. However, party leaders have vehemently denied any involvement in such activities, urging members to refrain from engaging in violence.
In an interview with Africa Young Voice (AYV), Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, distanced himself from purported links to activist “Adebayor” and clarified discrepancies regarding his membership status within the APC party.
Meanwhile, the APC’s Strategic Communication Unit reiterated the party’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, emphasizing dialogue over conflict to safeguard national security, uphold the rule of law, and promote stability and unity across Sierra Leone.
For further inquiries, the APC has called upon ECSL to promptly provide necessary documentation to the Tripartite Committee, facilitating the completion of its findings and recommendations.
