By Mary Kabay
The Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability (YaDA-SL), a registered youth-led civil society organization working towards the promotion of human rights, democracy, accountability, good governance in the country has urged the Government Sierra Leone to create a leveled playing ground where voices of the minority and views of the opposition must be accorded their rightful place in the halls of democracy and corridors of power.
The disclosure was made in a press statement dated Monday 14th March, 2022 on the proclamation of the 24th Day of June 2023 for Presidential Election of which the organization welcomed that move by the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, National Returning Officer, of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) which he did in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 43 of the Public Elections Act 2012 (Act No.4 of 2012) after consultation with His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
“The Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability (YaDA-SL) as a registered youth-led civil society organization working towards the promotion of human rights and democracy in the country considers this move by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) as very important in upholding one of the country’s democratic tenets. However, we urge the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to stay true to their word in ensuring they strengthen collaboration and greater engagement with Government, political parties, international partners and key stakeholders for the conduct of the2023 elections in a credible and transparent manner that meets international standards and the expectations of the people of Sierra Leone.”
The release further pointed out that it must be noted that Democracy provides the most equal mechanism in which people can participate to decide the future of their own country, adding that although it is believed that democracy is imperfect, as is everything else, and in colossal magnitude there have indeed been monumental failures.
It continued that democracy can correct itself pointing out that as Joseph de Maistre puts it, “Every country has the Government it deserves,” and this alludes to the responsibility of the electorates within political space and the possible consequences of exercising and not exercising the franchise. The organization maintained that the answers to the problems in our societies lie in the choices that they make as electorates, which according to its members is the genesis of instituting good governance.
“As Sierra Leoneans we must understand that democracy behooves us to make wise political decisions and more importantly such must be demonstrated in all the electioneering processes. All must realize that it is an inalienable right to participate in elections and then hold those elected accountable. Even as we welcome the proclamation of the date for Presidential Election in 2023 we should be mindful of our responsibility to uphold the country’s democracy,” the release reiterated.
The release continued that all must also underscore that democracy as a system of Government has four key elements which includes a system for choosing and replacing the Government through free and fair elections; active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; protection of the human rights of all citizens and the rule of law.
“The link between democracy and human rights is captured in article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:
“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”
It further stated that the rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and subsequent human rights instruments covering group rights (e.g. indigenous peoples, minorities, people with disabilities) are equally essential for democracy as they ensure an equitable distribution of wealth, and equality and equity in respect of access to civil and political rights.
The Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability (YaDA-SL) concluded by reaffirming its commitment to work with Government, institutions and political parties, to uphold democracy and the rule of law, and to tirelessly protect and defend the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people, and that they will continue to play their statutorily mandated role as a youth led-civil society organization to urge Government to create a leveled playing ground where voices of the minority and views of the opposition must be accorded their rightful place in the halls of democracy and corridors of power even as they welcome the proclamation of date for Presidential Election in 2023.
The released was signed by the Executive Director of the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability, Foday Moriba Conteh and the National Public Relations Officer, Moses Oju Kamara.
