BY SAHR IBRAHIM KOMBA (232news.com)
Citizens called on the All Peoples Congress to take active part in the governance processes of the state and reverse its decision on nonparticipation in governance program in Sierra Leone.
After June 24th, 2023, multi-tier election, the All People Congress Party resolved that the party and its elected representatives will not participate in governance at all levels including legislature and local councils.
This came after the APC rejected the election results and accused the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone of irregularities and violation of established electoral procedures.
The APC further accused state institutions like the Sierra Leone Police, Office of National Security and the Judiciary of disregard for their constitutional duties, adding that the heads of those institutions have aligned themselves with the undemocratic aspirations of the President.
The national Network Coordinator for West African Network for Peace building in Sierra Leone Dr. Isata Mahoi called on the All People Congress Party to take active part the governance processes of the state.
She noted that political actors should be the preachers of peace and not the other round. ‘’We can only enjoy sustainable peace when political leaders preach peace and live by example,’’ she said.
‘’There is need for APC to participate in the governance processes of the state because they will not remain in opposition forever,’’ she noted
She noted that opposition parties play significant role in democratic processes of a state by holding government to account and Sierra Leone is not an exception.
She further urged President Bio to engage the opposition through dialogue, adding that, this will help to consolidate peace and national cohesion. The opposition should participate in order to save our democracy in Sierra Leone, she said.
Dr Isata Mahoi further called on religious leaders to engage political leaders on the way forward in order to consolidate peace in Sierra Leone, pointing out that religious leaders play important role in peace process and that they should talk to political leaders to embrace peace in Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Moses Margao called on Political leaders to maintain peace in the country, noting that democracy can only strive in a peaceful society.
He urged the youths to embrace peace and develop their potentials. He also called on the APC to accept the result and work with the government.
“The All People Congress Party should trust process and work with the government because they will assume power in the future,’’ he said.
