Foreign Affairs Minister and flag bearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Dr Samura Kamara has told a gathering at the European Union House at Leicester Peak that he wants all to know that election is an event that come and go but all the people will still be together, which means they should not fight and kill themselves.
“An election is a way people can choose their candidate or their preferences in a representative democracy or other form of government. Most democratic countries hold new elections for their national legislature every few years.”
He said even though he has been chosen by the APC to lead them in the coming elections, that doesn’t mean all his friends in the other parties he must forsake them. Dr Samura Kamara averred that all of them must conduct themselves well so that the elections will be free, fair and peaceful and the winner will be congratulated.
“Many of my friends from the international world are here and all of you must help us conduct a free and fair as well as a credible and peaceful election that will keep the country intact and moving. Don’t allow people to lie on you that you are here to do regime change or to support the ruling party or the opposition. These statements you must avoid by making sure you work with all parties and institutions that will make the elections credible and your embassies being commended.”
Dr Samura Kamara opined that even though he has been chosen to lead the party that does not mean he will have to isolate himself, but he will continue to work with the international community because he wants a better Sierra Leone for all.
He averred that in a representative democracy such as ours, elections are extremely important. “Voting in elections is the best way to make your “voice” heard. One fact that makes elections even more important is when politicians or political parties try to “suppress” voting with the use of laws to disallow people to vote.”
The Flag bearer said in a democracy, imperfect though it may be, at least provides the public of how the country is being run. Through voting, he said people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and not just the ruling elites can express their viewpoints, and help to select members of the government who best reflect those points of view.
“The importance of the coming elections is that it will provide an opportunity for candidates to discuss and debate the issues, and then they allow eligible voters to be part of the decision as to who should be their leaders. We must make sure we convince them with our ideas and our personality so that they can vote for us. We must not take undue advantage on our voters because they are the same people we plan to govern when we would have won the elections.”
Dr Samura Kamara who was with his running mate Hon. Chernor Bah thanked the European Union and all Ambassadors and High Commissioners who have been working with him for the good of Sierra Leone. He said he intends to continue to work with them in another capacity after March 2017 if he wins the election and he wants them to be an integral part of the government of Sierra Leone.
Monday October 23, 2017.
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