The forthcoming elections has been billed by many political pundits, and observers alike as a watershed moment for Sierra Leone.Though the present landscape seems to support this assumption, but a closer look at the actors presents a different picture. Looking at the main actors, it is disheartening to note that none seems to embody the hope and aspiration of the current and future generations of the country. The main opposition party current crop of leadership resembles a veteran football club, the APC reminds one of the Momoh era, the undeniable the worst government ever in the country.
The level of expectation of the average Sierra Leonean is very high, and this understandably so, as they have always been on the receiving of so many false, and unfulfilled promises. Thus, the assumption that these elections is a watershed moment for politics in Sierra Leone should not be based on the weather it free and fair. Rather the leitmotif must be how the parties and their respective candidates present polices and how they intend to implement these policies socio-economic development of the country.Whosoever is elected leader is going to have the opportunity of charting a new course for the advancement of the country, consequently these elections should be about policies, and the personalities with the right pedigree of implementing their policies.
We are at an age wherein globalisation is having a profound effect on national politics, and governments must do their utmost to create permissive conditions for the development of their respective economies. We need to see viable economic, social health policies that will withstand scrutiny from the populace, amazingly we none of the parties have produced one, but will rather wait till a month or so before elections and release long manifestos. Despite the oppositions criticism of the government policies, none have proffered an alternative as to how social sectors will be improved. What is APC or PMDC policy on youth employment, education, health and sanitation? one cannot point to any statement to the effect from either opposition leaders that they have a viable alternative. Charting the course of the country's development is not an on the job-training process, rather we need policies that that have properly analysed by the electorates, civil society organisations and the media. It about time we have policy governance in the country
There is an influx of 'candidates' from the diaspora to partake in the elections and rightly so, but it is worthy for these 'candidates' to critically analyse their positions, and role for the development of their constituents. In as much the constitutions afford each, and every Sierra Leonean above the age of 21 and of sound mind and body to contest in the elections. We are at a crossroad, and citizens need people that are aufait with the myriads of questions and the plethora of problems that teh average citizen face and ask in their daily lives. Living in the West for 20 odds years does not in any way shape or form qualify one for parliament, especially if one has spent their entire time driving taxi, selling ice cream, postman or acting as home care nurse (no disrespect intended). That is not say it should be left the educated, as they are the biggest failures yet. Rather we need peolpe that are commited to country's development.Parliament is not a quick way to riches (contracts or ministerial positions) rather they are to represent the people, by participating in the policy formulation process, and holding the government to task for the implementation of policies. The current crop of parliamentarians have failed their representatives, as the erstwhile ACC Commissioner aptly put it they spent half their times fighting for contracts, or acting as contractors. Thus, the next intake must endeavour to come up with bills that will bear fruits for their constituents. Moreoever, act as effective monitors for the proper implementation of these programmes, some of the duties this current intake parliamentarians have failed to accomplish or undertake.
Yes these elections are a watershed moment for the country, as it provides us with the opportunity of a government strong on policy and less on rethoric, yes it will be a watershed moment if the populace decide to vote with their head instead of their heart. Indeed it is a watershed moment as we are about to chart a course, one that will show indeed we have learnt from our mistakes.
