15/06/2023
Sierra Leone's main opposition party All People's Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara has outlined series of concerns relating to electoral malpractices by the Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL), ahead of the June 24th, 2023 elections.
On Wednesday June 14, at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, Dr. Samura Kamara informed the media, the international community and the general public about plans of the Electoral Commissioner Mr. Mohamed Konneh to rig the upcoming elections. His Party's concerns range from the processes of registration to poor quality voters ID, to the disenfranchisement of first time voters, yo the Commission's refusal to publish the Final Voter Register.
Dr. Samura Kamara further mentioned how the ECSL is working in the interest of the ruling party in an effort to steal the mandate of the people of Sierra Leone; while also collaborating with the security sectors to intimidate, suppress and harass opposition members, many of whom have been taken hostage by the government.
The APC Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara made several demands to be adhered to by the Electoral Commission and the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure a free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections. His demands include the following:
* The immediate release of the Final Voter Register
* Counting of ballots papers at the respective centres immediate after polling, in the presence of party agents, local and international observers
* Manual Counting and tallying of results
* The security and ECSL must ensured unfettered access for party representatives, local and international observers in the transportation and distribution of electoral materials before and after polling.
* The government should not shut down the internet throughout the electioneering periods,,
Among others...
Dr. Samura Samura said that these demands are timelined and they must be adhered to within 72 hours. Failing to do so, he is asking the Electoral Commissioner and all other Commissioners to resign immediately after the 72 hours deadline.
More updates to follow...
