Twenty-one days from today, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, headlong to Wednesday, June 19th 2024, the Tripartite Committee cum the Elections Investigation Committee (EIC) will complete their investigation on the June 24 election. The upshot and endorsement of the Tripartite Committee could be a test case for Sierra Leone’s democratic dispensation. It could strengthen or weaken the foundations and pillars of democracy and good governance in Sierra Leone. It will hold the future and peace and make or break the country altogether.
Meanwhile, the Tripartite Committee was borne out of a communiqué signed between the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC), in October 2023, after three days of mediation by the international community, Vis-à-vis the Commonwealth, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. The Peace Communique resulted from the outcome of the June 24 Presidential elections, which was described as lacking integrity, transparency and accountability and marred with intrigues and manipulations. The period after the elections left the APC not accepting the election result, claiming that they won, but their demands were deflated as President Bio was declared the winner by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh and Chief Justice Edmond Babatunde Edwards, making him take the Oath of Office. The APC had no option but to embark on non-participation in governance for three months until the Post-Election Peace Dialogue was held.
By and large, President Bio launched the Tripartite Committee, which comprised 21 members, with 7 chosen from the SLPP, APC and Development Partners. It had a timeframe of six months, but with the circumstances of the time due to financial constraints, it extended beyond its normal term.
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 was also guided to examine previous elections and results management systems, such as collation, verification, authentication, and publishing of electoral data, consistent with international best practices, to enhance the credibility of all future elections in Sierra Leone. This guarantees elections to be free, fair, and credible.
Establishing the Tripartite Committee was a sigh of relief to Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad who anticipated democratic sanity in the country. Citizens have patiently and enthusiastically waited for the investigation’s outcome and what is next for Sierra Leone in a supposed democratic society. A country that became the envy of its counterparts in Sub-Sahara Africa over the decades for holding successive peaceful, transparent and democratic elections.
Recently, there has been a lot of bickering, insinuations, whispering and presumptions from both sides of the aisle, with political demagogues and fanatic supporters holding varied opinions about the recommendations of the Tripartite. The ruling SLPP Government led by President Bio and his fanatic supporters believes there will not be a Re-run, irrespective of the outcome of the election investigation. They have always argued that the election investigation is to correct the wrongs of past elections to shape future elections. In the Bullet for Bullet assertion, the president himself assured his supporters that there will not be any Re-run until 2028. This suggests President Bio is sure to complete his term come rain or shine. On the other hand, the APC had held the unfettered conviction that there would be a Re-run. Still, in recent times, they have gone with the view that there is not going to be a Re-run, which juxtaposed the original view held by the SLPP supporters, irrespective of the fact that their representative, Dr Kelfala Marrah of the Tripartite Committee had admonished them not to preempt the outcome. They whisper that there is the proclivity that there will not be a re-run and hope for the bigger picture, which is against the initial belief that there will be a re-run.
In all the insinuations, hallucinations and conjectures, the Tripartite Committee has the answer with 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?
The rubrics, ethos, and goodies of democracy and good governance are of utmost importance 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 overall good fortune in the near future. However, denying democratic goods to a supposed democratic society like ours can have significant consequences for the country’s present and future.
Generally, 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 where the government blatantly rebuffed democratic principles and exhibits gross disregard for citizens’ rights, it erodes trust in public institutions. This lack of trust can lead to widespread disillusionment and disengagement from the democratic process, making building a stable and legitimate government harder. 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 citizens no longer trust state institutions 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 is also glaring that denying 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 a denial of democratic goods in a supposed democratic society.
Political instability and weak institutions often 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 investing in the country’s economy.
The absence of transparent and accountable governance can lead to corruption and embezzlement of public funds, exacerbating poverty and hindering development initiatives. A lack of confidence in the democratic system may lead to a brain drain, where skilled and educated citizens seek opportunities abroad, losing the 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 that the country currently needs. 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 flaws in the electoral process and ensuring free and fair elections can restore faith in democratic institutions.
International Support: The international community can help 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 societal stakeholders.
Inclusivity and Participation: Democratic governance gives all citizens a voice in the decision-making process. It ensures inclusivity, allowing marginalized groups and minorities to participate in the country’s governance. 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 individuals’ fundamental human rights and freedoms. It provides a platform to address social injustices, promote gender equality, protect minority rights, and improve all citizens’ overall quality of life.
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 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’s growth, hence, the Tripartite Committee and its outcome.
