Issues are far more important than tribe, region or party during elections. There are many issues affecting Sierra Leoneans like clean water, power, governance, healthcare, education and many more. These issues are the point of the elections and a priority for the people of this country.
Siem Women’s Association representative, Sama Kandeh Bangura explained, “We should vote on policies rather than on regional, tribal or party sentiments.” She explained that it is entrenched in the belief of most people in her community to vote on those lines. “Voting should be based on informed convictions of someone you think can deliver solutions to problem areas rather than electing someone because he or she is your tribes-mate or because you are from the same region. This is not health for our democracy and development,” she averred.
For many voters, their choice of leader or representative is based on tribe, party or place of birth.
Advocacy Network representative, Aminata M. Koroma, commented, “We should not vote along regional lines. We should put an end to it.” She added, “One vote could make a difference… It could remove a bad government and replace it with a new one.”
Aspiring candidates have been known to exploit regionalism, tribal connections and even familial issues as they seek votes. But, voters should be asking about solutions to the multitude of problems that exist. Voters should be looking for candidates who have meaningful contributions to make to the development of the country.
Representative of Tonkolili District Disable Association, Ibrahim Sankoh, said, “In past elections, there was no sensitization about the effect of regionalism or tribal sentiments and the effect on the country’s development and democratic process. We should vote and our vote is important.”
First time voter, Jariatu Tolla, representing Community for Development explained she knew little or nothing about the electoral process. However, she explained, “I should not vote because I was paid or bribed to do so, or because I am related to the aspirant or we are from the same region… instead I should vote for someone who I think could make a difference,” she said.
Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) recently held a civic education training session in Tonkolili that was attended by civil society groups, community organizations, unions and interested stakeholders.
CGG Programme Manager, Bernadette French, said the reason why civic education is important around elections is because it helps to build an informed voter who is aware of his/her electoral rights and responsibilities in a democracy. She added that it provides voters with the right knowledge and skills to effectively participate in the electoral process. French further noted the training will help voters play their rightful role in the promotion and protection of free, fair and peaceful elections.
OG/27/11/17
By Ophaniel Gooding
Tuesday November 28, 2017.
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