In an exclusive interview with VOA, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has addressed critical issues surrounding the country’s recent elections and historical electoral events.
President Bio sternly reminded the nation that when allegations of election rigging marred the 2012 elections, the All People’s Congress (APC) had directed dissatisfied parties to seek police intervention. Now, amidst concerns over electoral irregularities in the June 2023 Elections, President Bio emphasizes the importance of pursuing legal avenues and presenting evidence in court for resolution.
During the interview, the President firmly upheld the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) as the sole legitimate authority responsible for announcing election results and declaring a winner, a tradition adhered to consistently. However, he expressed alarm at the opposition APC’s appeal for international involvement in determining the election’s outcome, marking a significant departure from established norms.
President Bio vehemently defended the integrity of the recent elections, characterizing them as free, fair, and transparent.
He underscored that election disputes are not unique to Sierra Leone, citing the United States as an example where such disputes have arisen, emphasizing that the judicial system is the appropriate avenue for resolution.
“If you have any problems with the Election, please go to court,” President Bio stressed.
President Bio suggested that the APC’s reluctance to pursue legal recourse might be indicative of a lack of substantial evidence to support their claims of election rigging.
Drawing a parallel to the 2012 elections, he recalled that the APC had faced similar accusations, and his advice then was to resolve disputes through the police or the courts.
“The APC is refusing to go to court because they have no Locus (legal standing) and nothing to present to the court.”
In conclusion, President Bio issued a fervent plea to the APC to abide by due process and bring their concerns to court if they questioned the results of the recently concluded June 24th Multi-Tier Elections.
His resolute statements underscore the paramount importance of upholding the rule of law and utilizing legal channels to address electoral disputes in Sierra Leone.
