The imminent 2023 elections in Sierra Leone represent a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. These elections bear vast implications for the country’s political scenery, governance, and development trajectory. Sierra Leone, a West African nation, has grappled with myriad past challenges, including civil war, political instability, and economic trials. The approaching elections offer an opportunity for the country to plot a new course, tackle pressing issues, and navigate towards progress and prosperity.
Competing Political Visions
Several political parties in Sierra Leone have presented their competing visions for the country’s future in the lead-up to the elections. Understanding these visions is vital in assessing the potential impact on Sierra Leone’s development. Hence, the need for an examination of the major political parties and their ideologies, as well as their key policy proposals and promises:
The Dominant Force: All People’s Congress (APC)
The All People’s Congress (APC) has been the ruling political party in Sierra Leone since 1968, when the military handed power to Siaka Stevens. The APC’s dominance was maintained by the party’s monopoly on the national media, which at the time consisted primarily of radio broadcasting. Radio reached over two-thirds of the country, while the written press and television were only available to a small urban audience. The APC’s control of the media allowed the party to control the information flow and promote its own agenda. This gave the party a significant advantage over its opponents and helped to ensure its continued dominance in Sierra Leonean politics.
The APC’s monopoly on the media was finally broken in the 1990s when the country’s first multi-party elections were held. However, the APC has remained a significant force in Sierra Leonean politics and has been able to use the media to promote its agenda and discredit its opponents. This has made it difficult for opposition parties to gain a foothold in Sierra Leonean politics. The APC is very popular and receives ample majority support in almost all of the northern districts of Sierra Leone, with strong ties to the Temne and some Limba people.
For the 2023 Presidential election in Sierra Leone, the candidate of the APC is Dr Samura Kamara. Please remember that Kamara lost to Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP by a very narrow three percentage points in 2018. Currently, Kamara is widely projected to secure victory in the upcoming presidential election on June 24, as the people of Sierra Leone are fervently advocating for a shift in the political trajectory towards a government capable of revitalising the economy and upholding human rights principles.
The Resilient Opposition: Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) stands as one of the major political parties in Sierra Leone. The party garners significant popularity in the Mende areas of south and eastern Sierra Leone, except in the swing district of Kono. The party consistently secures substantial victories in presidential, parliamentary, and local elections in these regions.
Since April 4, 2018, it has held the position of the ruling party in the country. Initially established in 1951, the SLPP enjoyed political dominance in Sierra Leone until 1967, when the Siaka Stevens-led All-People’s Congress (APC) defeated it in the parliamentary election. Initially identified as a centre-right conservative party, the SLPP transformed in 2012 and now identifies as a social democratic party with a centrist inclination.
The SLPP regained power in the 1996 presidential election when its leader, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, emerged victorious. From 1996 to 2007, the party held governance until it was again defeated by the APC, led by Ernest Bai Koroma, in the 2007 presidential election. On April 4, 2018, the SLPP reclaimed power when Julius Maada Bio, its candidate, was inaugurated as the new President of Sierra Leone following a successful campaign in the 2018 Sierra Leone presidential election. He is currently seeking re-election in the 2023 Presidential election.
The Power of Regional Dynamics in Sierra Leonean Politics
Sierra Leone is a country with a long history of regionalism. The government is divided into three regions: the North, the South, and the East. Each area has its own distinct culture, history, and political interests. These regional dynamics have played a significant role in Sierra Leone’s political history, as regional alliances have been used to win elections and gain access to power. For example, in the 2012 elections, the APC won the most seats in Parliament by allying with the National People’s Party (NPP). The NPP is a party from the South, and the APC is from the North.
The regional dynamics in Sierra Leone present both challenges and opportunities for the upcoming elections. On the one hand, regional alliances can be a powerful force for change. They can help to bring together different regions and to promote a more unified national identity. On the other hand, regional alliances can also be a source of conflict. Forming stable alliances cannot be accessible if different regions have different interests. This can lead to political instability and violence.
The outcome of the upcoming elections will depend, in part, on how the different regional interests are managed. If the other regions can find common ground and work together, the polls can be a force for good. However, if the different areas cannot ally, the polls could lead to further instability and violence.
Controversies and Election Campaigns
Several controversies and scandals have surrounded the upcoming elections in Sierra Leone. One of the most notable controversies is the issue of voter registration. There have been allegations that the government has deliberately disenfranchised voters in opposition strongholds. The candidate of the APC, Dr Samura Kamara, had called for the resignation of the country’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, stating that “The production of blurred and substandard voter identity cards, the repeated failure to meet deadlines regarding the submission of credible voter registration data, and the subsequent release of highly questionable data, have raised serious doubts about the Commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections.”
Many citizens have also voiced their frustration over the persistently high inflation rates, soaring unemployment levels, and instances of political violence and corruption. The controversies and campaign tactics surrounding the upcoming elections have mixedly impacted voter sentiment. The scandals and the negative campaigning have turned off some voters. Other voters have focused more on the issues and the candidates’ competence.
It is still too early to say the ultimate impact of these controversies and campaign tactics. However, they have had a significant effect on the upcoming elections. Sierra Leonean voters are hoping for a better future for their country. They are looking for a government to address the country’s challenges, such as poverty, corruption, and lack of infrastructure. They are also looking for a government that will respect the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens. They are tired of the violence and instability that has plagued the country in the past.
A Test of Democracy
The upcoming elections in Sierra Leone could shape the country’s future trajectory. These elections allow Sierra Leoneans to choose leaders to address their concerns, drive development, combat corruption, and build a prosperous and inclusive society.
The outcome of the elections will have far-reaching implications. It will determine the policies, priorities, and strategies that will guide Sierra Leone’s development in the future. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, and international partners, to actively engage in the electoral process and contribute to shaping a brighter future for Sierra Leone.
While the exact outcomes and implications of the election results are uncertain, it is essential to remain committed to democratic principles, inclusivity, and good governance. Sierra Leone can pave the way for positive change and progress by ensuring a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.
As the people of Sierra Leone prepare to exercise their democratic rights, they can shape their destiny and work towards a future that reflects their aspirations for a prosperous, united, and resilient nation.