Dr. Samura Kamara, leader of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All-People’s Congress (APC), and former presidential candidate, has issued a renewed call for electoral justice, warning that Sierra Leone remains on a “critical knife edge” nearly a year after the signing of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU).
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr. Kamara emphasized the APC’s continued rejection of the June 24, 2023, multi-tier election results, describing the process as “deeply flawed” due to the absence of disaggregated polling data from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Kamara’s appeal highlights ongoing concerns regarding the transparency and legitimacy of the election, a core dispute in the APC’s stance.
Dr. Kamara acknowledged the significance of the ANU, an agreement facilitated by international mediators to reduce post-election tensions between the APC and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). He described the ANU as a “monumental step” towards addressing electoral irregularities and resolving political conflicts peacefully. However, he expressed concern over the country’s ongoing struggles, noting that “Sierra Leone remains at a critical knife edge,” and citing issues like deepening economic hardships, rising poverty, and the persistent fight for electoral justice as major challenges.
Kamara further called for a comprehensive approach to tackle electoral, social, and economic justice, underscoring the need for respect for democratic principles, rule of law, and good governance. “Sierra Leone cannot afford another self-inflicted destructive stigma unless we demonstrate a clear conviction to respect and take the Will of the people to a credible, logical, nationally and internationally acceptable end,” he warned.
Amid growing concerns over Sierra Leone’s political stability, Dr. Kamara’s call has intensified pressure on the government to address unresolved issues surrounding the 2023 election results. With the international community closely monitoring developments, Kamara’s statement reaffirms the opposition’s demand for accountability and reform as the country navigates its path toward national reconciliation and stability.
