By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sunday 23rd April, 2023 historic signing of an alliance agreement between the leaders of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Hon. Dr. Kandeh KollehYumkella (KKY) of National Grand Coalition (NGC) is seen in different lights by political pundits and social commentators.
While there are those who believe that the alliance is timely and positive for the SLPP to join forces with the NGC to gain victory in the upcoming June 24 elections, there are those who think otherwise.
One school of thought has it that, the SLPP is confused and disoriented and could be contemplating losing the June 24 elections and therefore needs the support of the NGC to help it clinch the coming crucial elections.
This school of thought also believes that, the SLPP could have seen their likely defeat at the June polls in the hands of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and its flag bearer, Dr. SamuraM.W Kamara; the real reason why the SLPP’s President Bio jumped the gun by closing ranks with KKY. It could be recalled that the latter had months earlier before the signing of the alliance agreement, been approached by President Bio to come back to his roots – the SLPP.
This school of thought further believes that, while it may appear that the alliance agreement between the SLPP and NGC is anything but genuine, the reality is that the NGC is fast losing credibility among Sierra Leoneans and even within its membership.
However, another school of thought has it that by virtue of the SLPP and NGC seeking an alliance agreement, it is an indication that the two parties are either unsure of their respective abilities to win elections, or are simply afraid they will lose if they do not come together against the APC.
It is also very ironical that it was the NGC that formulated the so-called Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (CoPPP) with the sole objective of voting out the SLPP in the June 24 elections, but it is the same NGC today that is seen teaming up and signing an alliance agreement with a party it once looked askance.
But then, this is Sierra Leone where anything, everything and even the most bizarre can happen. The only wish of the general citizenry is that whatever antics or tactics are put in play by our various political party leaders, the people want a peaceful and non-violent election.
