Freetown, Sierra Leone – 16 October 2023 – Dr. Samura Kamara, the leader of Sierra Leone’s opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and their 2023 presidential candidate, delivered a resolute message during an ongoing post-election dialogue in Freetown.
Dr. Kamara emphasized the need for this dialogue to pave the way for the restoration of democracy and the recovery of what he termed ‘stolen votes.’
Addressing delegates and participants at the peace dialogue, Dr. Kamara affirmed the APC’s commitment to presenting a comprehensive position paper, backed by evidence, to the committee overseeing the process.
He expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to the restoration of democratic principles and the will of the people.
“Let me state clearly that our people are curiously waiting to see the outcome of this dialogue, which must chart a path towards the restoration of democracy and the people’s votes – to bring back what was stolen. This is what our leadership in the APC stands for,” said Dr. Kamara.
He further emphasized the broader significance of the dialogue, stating, “Our position is not about the interest of individuals or just about the APC, but the interest of Sierra Leone. For us, our focus has always been and will continue to be the peace, stability, and development of Sierra Leone.”
Dr. Kamara underscored the pivotal role of transparent data in resolving the electoral dispute, saying, “Until our demands are met and the disaggregated data released by the ECSL [Election Commission of Sierra Leone], there is currently no winner or loser. For this dialogue, therefore, we are meeting with colleagues of an illegitimate administration.”
Challenging the election commission, he posed critical questions on behalf of the Sierra Leonean people: “Why is the ECSL refusing to publish the disaggregated data by polling stations? What are they hiding, and who are they working for? What audacity do they have to deny the request of the people of Sierra Leone?”
Furthermore, the APC leader highlighted the party’s stance on the need for a rerun of the elections due to the failure of the election commission to provide granular election results at the district level.
The APC dialogue team comprises prominent figures:
Dr. Samura Kamara
Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray
Amb. O.F. Yansaneh
Lansana Dumbuya, Esq
Dr. Kelfala Marrah
Africanus S. Sesay, Esq
Yvonne Aki-Sawyer
Hon. Abdul Kargbo
Alimamy Petito Korma
The ongoing dialogue represents a critical juncture in Sierra Leone’s quest for resolving post-election issues and ensuring a democratic and transparent electoral process.
