By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Following the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum, the All People’s Congress Party Presidential Flagbearer, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, spoke with the BBC about the potential consequences if the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s boss, Mohamed Konneh, and other commissioners do not resign from their positions.
Dr. Kamara had previously given the ECSL officials an opportunity to resign during a press conference due to their handling of issues surrounding the upcoming elections.
Additionally, Dr. Samura Kamara responded to a question from BBC Umaru Fofana about his reaction after the ultimatum’s expiration, stating that he would consult with his colleagues to determine their next course of action.
He emphasized that the All People’s Congress Party is a peaceful party and does not want the country to experience any form of violence. He stressed the importance of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone following due process and taking necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections.
During the Briefing Sessions for accredited National and International Observers and the Media at the Bintumani Conference Centre, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, announced that he and the other Commissioners would not resign.
During a press conference held on June 15, 2023, by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), its National Secretary General, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, stated that the party would strongly reject any attempt to disrupt the upcoming June 24, 2023, elections in Sierra Leone.
In a recent development, a letter was sent to the Inspector General of Police on June 17, 2023, signed by Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the National Secretary General of the All Peoples Congress. The letter was titled “RE: NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO HOLD PEACEFUL MARCH TO THE OFFICES OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR SIERRA LEONE.”
The letter referred to a speech delivered by their National Leader and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, on June 14, 2023. In the speech, the Presidential Candidate gave the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) a seventy-two-hour ultimatum to address certain irregularities in the election process or for all commissioners to resign immediately.
Since the seventy-two hours have passed without any action taken, the All Peoples Congress is notifying the police of their intention to peacefully march to the ECSL offices to present their position paper.
Our Presidential Candidate, Running Mate, National Chairman, Secretary General and other Party leaders will guide us. We request that your personnel remain peaceful towards civilians and assist us as needed, since the event will be peaceful.
On June 18th, 2023, the Inspector General of Police replied to a letter from the All Peoples Congress Party regarding their intention to hold a peaceful march to the offices of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
The letter acknowledged receipt of the APC’s letter, and stated that the Inspector General of Police had reviewed it.
The letter further indicated that the APC should have informed the Sierra Leone Police at least 72 hours in advance of the planned procession to allow for proper planning.
However, the letter noted that the police only received the APC’s letter on June 17th, 2023, through Whatsapp.
The police have extended an invitation to the APC leaders to attend a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and his high-level management team at Police Headquarters on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at 1 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss matters related to the upcoming procession, including the estimated number of participants, the timing, and the route, among other things.
In addition, it is suggested that the APC leaders should also review the PPRC and provide their stance to the ECSL.
The Inspector General of Police pledged to provide support and cooperation throughout the process.
However, Numerous Sierra Leoneans are contemplating what steps the APC will take next.
