By Amin Kef (Ranger)
During a bilateral meeting held on the 14th December 2022 at the Washington Convention Center, United States of America, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor David Francis, intimated the U.S. Under- Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Jane Nuland, that practising democracy is a big challenge today.
The Minister referenced the January 6th event that the United States is grappling with, which no longer makes any country the prophet of democracy.
He further informed international journalists who are in the United States to cover the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that his Government is determined to continue upholding the tenets of democracy.
According to the Minister, Sierra Leone has successfully organized, and funded the mid-term census which has given the country the necessary data to plan its development agenda.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further informed the U.S. Under -Secretary of State for Political Affairs, during the bilateral meeting, that a biometric system was introduced that will help manage data system for accurate and reliable information.
On the conduct of the June 2023 elections, Professor Francis told the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs that Sierra Leone has passed a Proportional Representation system of election in Parliament which will usher in free, fair, and democratic elections.
He said as a Sovereign nation Sierra Leone has to fund the 2023 elections underscoring that such does not mean that Sierra Leone do not need support. The Minister used the opportunity to appeal to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs for technical support to Sierra Leone during next year’s elections.
On her part, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Jane Nuland, informed Professor Francis that the United States will continue supporting Sierra Leone in its democratization process.
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