BY ALHAJI K. TARAWALLY (LAJ-K)
Ph.D. Candidate (EUCLID, CAR), M.A. IRD (SIU, Germany), MSc IRD (UoR, UK), BA Hons. (FBC, SL), DIP (FBC)
232NEWS, FREETOWN —
The recent appointment of cabinet members by President Julius Maada Bio following the victory of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the June 24th Presidential elections has sparked impatience among some members of the National Grand Coalition (NGC). However, the Executive Committee and the General Membership of the NGC must exercise patience and maintain their belief in the SLPP-NGC Alliance’s commitment to an inclusive government.
This article emphasises the importance of patience, trust, and faith in the leadership of Dr. Alhaji Kandeh Yumkella (KKY) and President Bio, highlighting how these qualities can pave the way for a prosperous future.
1. Recognizing the complexities of government formation:
Forming a government after an election involves intricate processes that require time and careful consideration. The Alliance Agreement between the SLPP and NGC stipulated the inclusion of NGC members in an inclusive government, demonstrating a commitment to shared governance. However, implementing such an agreement requires careful deliberation to ensure that the right individuals are appointed to positions based on their qualifications, experience, and expertise.
2. Prioritizing stability and effective governance:
In the aftermath of an election, a newly elected government must focus on stability and effective governance. The President must consider various factors, such as balancing regional representation, addressing key policy areas, and mitigating potential conflicts of interest. This process often necessitates making difficult decisions, which may delay appointing members from the NGC and other members of the SLPP. It is crucial to understand that these challenges do not indicate a lack of commitment to the Alliance Agreement but rather reflect the complexities involved in government formation.
3. Trusting the leadership of KKY and President Bio:
Kandeh Yumkella and President Bio have demonstrated their commitment to the principles of the SLPP-NGC Alliance. Trusting their leadership is paramount as they navigate the intricacies of government formation. Both leaders have a shared vision for Sierra Leone’s progress and have shown an unwavering dedication to national development. NGC members must believe in their leaders’ abilities to fulfil the commitments outlined in the Alliance Agreement.
4. Alliances require compromise and cooperation:
Political alliances are built on the foundation of compromise and cooperation. The SLPP-NGC Alliance is no exception. While the NGC members may be eager to see their inclusion in the government, it is crucial to recognise that compromises may need to be made in the interest of broader stability and governance. The leaders of the Alliance will need to carefully balance the aspirations of NGC members with the overall goals of the government.
5. A long-term perspective for shared governance:
The SLPP-NGC Alliance represents a long-term commitment to shared governance in Sierra Leone. The inclusion of the NGC in an inclusive government may not happen overnight, but it is essential to maintain a long-term perspective. Patience and belief in the alliance can ensure that the NGC’s voice and vision are effectively integrated into the government’s policies and decision-making processes.
“So many appointments still outstanding, including Diplomatic Missions, Government Agencies, State Commissions and Parastatal Boards, and Press Attaches, to name a few…Even the Cabinet is incomplete, with few Deputy Minister slots still not yet announced, including Internal Affairs, Social Welfare and Environment deputy ministers. Let’s not be too hasty in lampooning the Alliance.” Dr. Sylvia Blyden, a Senior Political Analyst, writes in one of her unofficial postings at the Reflections Group.
In conclusion, as the SLPP-NGC Alliance progresses towards shared governance, NGC members must exercise patience and maintain their belief in the leadership of Dr. Alhaji Kandeh Yumkella and President Bio. Government formation requires time, careful consideration, and a focus on stability and effective governance.
