By Marcus Bangura
The establishment of the Tripartite Committee was a sigh of relief to Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad who anticipated democratic sanity in the country. However, the life span of the Committee has come to an end, and the findings have been presented to President Bio, but its content is still not clear to the general public. Citizens have been patiently and enthusiastically waiting for the findings of the investigation. After Tripartite, what next for Sierra Leone in a supposed democratic society? A country which has once the envy of her counterparts in Sub-Sahara Africa for decades in holding successive peaceful, transparent and democratic elections.
It is glaring that the conclusion and endorsement of the Tripartite Committee could be a test case for Sierra Leone’s democratic dispensation. It could either strengthen or weaken the foundations and pillars of democracy and good governance in Sierra Leone. It will hold the future, hold the peace, and make and break the country altogether.
In recent times, there have been a lot of bickering, insinuations, whispers and presumptions among Sierra Leoneans, political demagogues and fanatic supporters from either side of the aisle, holding varied opinions about the recommendations of the Tripartite.
In all the insinuations, hallucinations, and conjectures, the Tripartite Committee has the answer. Since it has supposedly concluded its investigation, there have been mixed feelings, considering the talk about the ECOMOG Stabilization Force. Is it a mere coincidence or a well-planned and calculated move at a time when Sierra Leoneans are thinking of what the future holds for the country?
All said and done, The Communique provided that “…The President, in consultation with the APC party, will constitute a cross-party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review with a three-way leadership nominated by the Government of Sierra Leone, the APC party and Development Partners…to examine the electoral systems, structures and processes of the June 2023 multi-tier electoral cycle.” The Tripartite Committee were guided to look at previous elections and results management systems like collation, verification, authentication and publishing of electoral data consistent with international best practices to enhance the credibility of all future elections in Sierra Leone that guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
As it is, every ear is sharply open to know the result of the investigation into the 2023 elections to save democracy and stability.
In all of these, what next for Sierra Leone in a supposed democratic society?
The rubrics, ethos, and goodies of democracy and good governance are paramount for Sierra Leoneans as a developing country seeking peace, progress, stability, and sustainable development. They can provide a framework that can significantly impact the country’s political, social, and economic landscape and the overall good fortune of Sierra Leoneans. However, the denial of democratic goods to a supposed democratic society like ours can have significant consequences for the country’s present and future.
Basically, democratic goods speak of the fundamental principles and elements that sustain a democratic system through transparent, free and fair elections, political participation, the rule of law, civil liberties, access to information and democratic accountability by which public officials are held to account for their failings.
When the aforementioned goods are denied or eroded by political authorities, it can lead to several adverse consequences like erosion of trust. Trust can be eroded when the government blatantly rebuffs democratic principles, exhibits gross disregard for citizens’ rights, and erodes trust in public institutions. This lack of trust can lead to widespread disillusionment and disengagement from the democratic process, making it harder to build a stable and legitimate government. To borrow the words of Barack Obama, we don’t need strong leaders but strong institutions. It begs the question of whether Sierra Leone has strong institutions. It’s disgusting that state institutions are no longer trusted by citizens because they seek to protect the government at all costs. The June 24 elections and its related institutions eroded public trust because of what they say and do.
It goes without saying that the denial of democratic goods to a supposed democratic society can give rise to political instability, protests, and even violence. Individuals in society are expected to express their views on issues that affect their being. They should be allowed to voice their opinions without their rights being violated. Where their rights to express themselves are violated, the state might resort to demonstrations or civil disobedience, leading to instability and social unrest.
Without proper checks and balances, there is a higher risk of human rights abuses by those in power. Minority groups, opposition members, and activists may become vulnerable to oppression and persecution, which amounts to the denial of democratic goods in a supposed democratic society.
More often than not, political instability and weak institutions can deter foreign investment and hinder economic development. A lack of trust in the government’s ability to manage resources and foster a conducive business environment can deter investors from engaging in the country’s economy.
The absence of transparent and accountable governance can lead to corruption and embezzlement of public funds, which in turn exacerbate poverty and hinder development initiatives. A lack of confidence in the democratic system may lead to a brain drain, where skilled and educated citizens seek opportunities abroad, leading to a loss of human capital that the country desperately needs for progress.
Prospects for the Future
Despite these challenges, there is hope for Sierra Leone’s future if steps are taken to address the denial of democratic goods which the country needs at the moment. A factor that relegated us to Tripartite; otherwise, there was no need to have a Committee of that nature. We can only succeed if we agree with Barak Obama, who once said:
‘’Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’’
We can have the change if we agree as a country to realize the following:
Strengthening Institutions: Sierra Leone must work to build strong and independent institutions that can ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. This includes an independent judiciary and electoral commission.
Promoting Civic Education: Civic education can empower citizens to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of active participation in the democratic process.
Inclusive Political Dialogue: Encouraging inclusive political dialogue and respecting diverse perspectives can help bridge divides and foster a sense of national unity.
Tackling Corruption: Implementing effective anti-corruption measures and ensuring transparency in government activities are vital to building public trust.
Electoral Reforms: Addressing any flaws in the electoral process and ensuring free and fair elections can restore faith in democratic institutions.
International Support: The international community can play a role by providing assistance and support for democratic reforms and capacity-building initiatives.
Emphasizing Civil Liberties: Protecting civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press, is crucial to preserving democratic rights.
By taking these steps and committing to democratic values, Sierra Leone can work towards a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous future for its citizens. However, achieving these goals requires sustained effort, political will, and collaboration among all stakeholders in society.
Inclusivity and Participation: Democratic governance allows all citizens to have a voice in the decision-making process. It ensures inclusivity, allowing marginalized groups and minorities to participate in the governance of the country. This fosters a sense of belonging and unity, reducing the potential for social unrest and conflict.
Accountability and Transparency: Democracy requires institutions and leaders to be accountable for their actions. Transparent governance ensures that the government’s activities are open to public scrutiny, reducing corruption and promoting trust between citizens and their elected representatives.
Rule of Law: A democratic system upholds the rule of law, which means that all individuals, regardless of their social status, are subject to the same laws and regulations. This provides a stable environment for economic growth, foreign investment, and a fair judicial system that protects the rights of citizens.
Economic Development: Democratic governance encourages policies that promote economic growth and development. When leaders are accountable to the people, they are more likely to implement pro-growth strategies, attract foreign investments, and prioritize infrastructure projects that benefit the nation.
Social Justice and Human Rights: Democracy inherently recognizes and protects the fundamental human rights and freedoms of individuals. It provides a platform to address social injustices, promote gender equality, protect minority rights, and improve the overall quality of life for all citizens.
Peace and Stability: Democratic governance is associated with higher levels of peace and stability. By giving people a voice and ensuring inclusivity, democratic systems are less prone to violent conflicts and civil unrest.
International Relations and Aid: Many developed nations and international organizations prioritize supporting democratic countries. Embracing democratic governance can open up opportunities for foreign aid, technical assistance, and international collaborations to address various challenges faced by a third-world country like Sierra Leone.
Education and Awareness: Democratic governance encourages civic education and political awareness among the citizens. Informed citizens are more likely to make better decisions during elections and hold their leaders accountable for their actions.
Long-term Planning and Sustainability: Democratic systems generally emphasize long-term planning over short-term gains. This approach fosters sustainable development and ensures that policies consider the well-being of future generations.
Cultural and Ethnic Harmony: Like many third-world countries, Sierra Leone has diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Democratic governance promotes understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among ethnic groups, enhancing national unity and cohesion.
In conclusion, democratic goods are pertinent to Sierra Leone for growth, hence, the Tripartite Committee and its outcome.
