Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has called for “unity” and “dialogue” in order to overcome the deep divisions arising from the disputed elections held on June 24. This plea was made during the official opening of the new National Assembly, which was boycotted by the opposition party.
President Bio, who was re-elected for a second term at the end of June, emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiation in a Parliament where no party has reached a two-thirds majority. He stated, “We must find common ground across political divides.” His remarks highlighted the urgency of the situation and urged political parties to work together for the betterment of the nation.
The main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), decided to boycott the National Assembly, as well as other levels of governance, citing concerns about the validity of the presidential, legislative, and local elections. They alleged that the elections were rigged in favor of President Bio and his party. As a result, only one out of the 54 opposition deputies took part in the opening session of the Assembly.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), with its 81 seats, holds a majority of 54% of the vote in the National Assembly. However, this falls short of the two-thirds majority required to pass certain types of legislation, including constitutional amendments and the election of the speaker of the Assembly. Even with the expected support of the 14 traditional chiefs in parliament, it remains unclear whether the non-participating APC members will be considered in these cases.
President Bio urged MPs to prioritize the interests of the nation and transcend partisan lines, calling for alliances beyond political affiliations. His message aimed to emphasize the importance of collaboration and compromise in order to move the country forward.
International observers have raised concerns about the electoral process, highlighting both “statistical inconsistencies” and a “lack of transparency” during the vote count after the June elections. In response, President Bio acknowledged the logistical limits faced during the elections and announced the establishment of a committee comprising members of the government, civil society, and development agencies. The committee’s role will be to review the electoral process management and make recommendations for improvement.
The disputed elections have highlighted the deep divisions within Sierra Leone’s political landscape. President Bio’s call for unity and dialogue demonstrates his commitment to addressing these divisions and finding common ground. As the country moves forward, it is crucial for political leaders to prioritize national interests and engage in constructive dialogue to foster stability and progress.
Image Credit: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters
