By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
Catholic Bishops of Sierra Leone have urged political parties to embrace peace and love ahead of the country’s multi-tier polls.
The bishops in a pastoral letter of encouragement on the 24th of June elections said their desire is to infuse peace into the message of Jesus Christ and that they are hoping those values will best promote the common good of all Sierra Leoneans. They said the elections will offer the people of Sierra Leone the opportunity to elect representatives of their choice; those whom they believe will best ensure a better nation.
“It is important therefore that they (elections) are conducted well and in the right spirit, in order to ensure peace and stability in the country,” they said.
The Clergymen added that, the coming elections will constitute a critical moment for all Sierra Leoneans to produce leaders that will guide the affairs of the nation in the next five years. Therefore, they urged all to vote for only people of high integrity, men and women motivated by the desire to serve rather than by a hunger for power and self-enrichment.
The religious leaders advised everyone to examine carefully and assess the policies of each party whether they are unrealistic promises merely designed to win votes. They stated that when everyone prepares to vote responsibly, there is a greater hope for a good and trustworthy government.
They encouraged all parties to ensure that voting is free and fair and to avoid any kind of violence. The bishops also deplored harassment and threat of any kind; whether of candidates or of supporters of any party whatever. They said everyone should be free to express their point of view without interference, provided they respect the law.
The bishops recognized that, there are many newspapers which represent different shades of opinion and that, it is of great importance that journalists and others take great care to speak and write what is true. They appealed to citizens to be more critical with regard to what they read and hear; saying that the value of the truth should guide all people in their acceptance and understanding of what is written, spoken and seen in the media.
They pointed out that the elections will be conducted in one day, except when there is a need for a run-off and that, the period which follows the election will be an important one for the country. They encouraged citizens and politicians to conduct themselves well during that time, noting that if they do, Sierra Leone will prove to be truly democratic.
They affirmed that, since the adult citizens have the right to vote, so too everyone has a serious responsibility to abide by the just and publicly verified results, even if they do not accord with one’s personal preferences. They said they envisage a situation wherein those who will emerge as winners in the elections would be magnanimous in their victory and those who lose would be honourable in their defeat, and as Sierra Leoneans, therefore all should share the same dream for a better Sierra Leone for all.
Political parties and their supporters were entreated to accept the outcome of the elections, having been declared free and fair by the competent authority. Law enforcement officers were challenged to show honour and loyalty to the country and its institutions, the protection of lives and property, and to maintain political neutrality in the execution of their duties.
They ended by admonishing the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), to conduct a free and fair election.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (27/02/23)
