Charles Margai, the PMDC presidential candidate, overshadowed the release of his party’s manifesto Wednesday afternoon in Kenema by accusing the ruling SLPP of election violence.
The day began with a steady stream of several thousand orange-clad supporters who marched down Blama Road and through Hangha Road to Kenema city main field.
Once assembled, the crowd braved the scorching sun as different members of the party delivered a summary of the party’s broad sweeping plans bordering on foreign policy, economic development, food production, social services, education and tourism until the party leader himself finally spoke.
“I get the distinct impression that [President] Kabbah and [Vice President] Berewa, don’t want a peaceful election,” he said.
Mr Margai accused SLPP supporters of attacking several PMDC vehicles in Kailahun on Monday. He further alleged that a PMDC female candidate in Segbewema was attacked, beaten, stripped naked and was later admitted at a hospital in Kenema. However, he failed to name the victim’s name.
Before announcing the formal launch of the manifesto, he expressed his lack of confidence in the leadership of the police force and delivered a warning to police personnel.
“If you do anything for money and a life is lost in the process, as president of this republic come August 11, we will try you and publicly execute you,” the PMDC leader threatened.
On the manifesto itself, Mr Margai said little.
The document states that the “PMDC pledges to provide honest, forthright, decisive, enlightened and robust leadership that would inspire the people and re-kindle their confidence in politics and governance…”
The party highlights a myriad of policies including decentralization of power, expanding bilateral relationships with other nations, commitment to providing electricity and safe drinking water, a focus on the quality, affordability and accessibility of education, safeguarding individual freedom and liberty and embarking on road construction among others.
With regards to education, the PMDC manifesto pledges to focus on “education of the girl child, gender parity, quality in education delivery and the promotion of skills acquisition for self-reliance and self-actualization.”
For the challenge of making water more accessible the party plans to “reviving the defunct water supply systems in the chiefdom headquarters” and further extending those facilities countrywide.
To meet Sierra Leone’s electricity needs the PMDC says it is focused on exploring renewable energy like solar, small hydro and biomass energy. Also to improve the infrastructure, the manifesto states that an “emphasis shall be placed on both major trunk roads as well as feeder roads.”
“The future of this our beloved nation rests with PMDC, God being our helper, this is assured,” Margai said.
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