The conduct of lower-level elections in Sierra Leone, particularly those involving the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has drawn significant media and public scrutiny. Concerns have been raised regarding allegations of violence, intimidation, and procedural irregularities. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
Violence and Intimidation:
Reports have emerged of instances of violence and intimidation during the electoral process. These acts are said to have created an atmosphere of fear, potentially affecting delegate morale or turnout and the fairness of the elections owing to possible frustrations. The involvement of party loyalists in disruptive activities has been a source of concern. Historical context shows that political violence has been a recurring issue in Sierra Leone National elections and this lower level elections conducted by the SLPP is no different from the onset albeit much is expected now that the party itself is the incumbent government.
Untimely Conduct and Procedural Irregularities:
Allegations of delays and inconsistencies in the internal party electoral process is well documented. Concerns about the transparency and efficiency of election administration have been raised. Voided elections and subsequent re-elections have added to the perception of instability and procedural flaws. Recently, the national secretariat of the party had intervened in recent times to infuse sanity but is it a ploy to consolidate key positions for the few at the helm of affairs? Are there tangible hallmarks of a true democratic action within party constitution ensuring no one is disenfranchise among party delegates, aspirants and supporters? Are there any signs of institutional suppression derailing interested aspirants giving up on intentions to contest? What does it tell about the party’s democratic processes held in high esteem to others as purported? Is the electoral process open, closed or hijacked to consolidate key positions in favor of sects within the party? For example the “Huwein huwein, paopa and radical inclusion camps.
Voids and Re-elections:
Instances of election results being voided, leading to re-elections, have generated controversy. In addition, questions have been raised about the reasons for these voids and the potential for political influence in these decisions. Certainly, this can lead to a sense of distrust in the electoral process at party levels. Not dealing with this do not only undermine the democratic credentials of the governing incumbent party, rather it makes an uncomfortable read or prediction into what could be seen as deviations from the norm should the opposition follow suit. How will this impact our youths? Economic hardship and youth unemployment are factors that can be exploited by political actors to incite violence. Where do we stand or is it a brandish of the party’s new social norm?
Contextual Factors:
Internal rivalry within the SLPP party, the need to maintain acquired administrative and executive positions of the incumbent means a possible dissociation from the grass root choice. How will this influence the deciding year of 2028?
Media and Public Opinion:
Media outlets and civil society organizations have played a crucial role in reporting on alleged electoral irregularities. Public discourse on social media and traditional media platforms have reflected concerns about the fairness and credibility of the lower level elections until recent times when senior representatives from the national office of the party got actively involved. The effects of disinformation on social media also greatly effect the public opinion of the elections.
It’s important to note that election-related disputes are not unique to the SLPP or Sierra Leone as a country and are a challenge faced by many democracies. However, it is vital that these concerns are addressed to ensure that future party elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner with public representation being the focus and overall, the national interest even from the spectrum of party politics.
FOP Radio thinks the weight on trust in the electoral process and public confidence in the upcoming national elections is hung in balance for the SLPP. Given the current trend in recycling the incumbent executive positions, it is unavoidable to say the key executive representation kill grass-root solidarity for party security interest for a few given the recycle executive position to acclaimed factions leaned to key controllers of the party currently.
Taking into consideration other political parties, lower level elections are bound to shape and change the political arena for a new governing administration and it seems, at the moment, not of grass-root support, but of only party interests of key stakes. This has an implication for national politics too thus a telling on 2028 national elections.
