As Sierra Leone marches toward the 2028 general elections, one issue towers above all others: electoral justice. Without it, the vote will mean little, democracy will remain fragile, and the nation risks sliding deeper into political instability. The scars of the disputed 2023 elections still linger, and Sierra Leoneans are rightly demanding a system that guarantees fairness, transparency, and credibility. In a country dominated by the duopoly of the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the fight for electoral justice has never been more urgent.
The Bitter Legacy of 2023
The 2023 polls, marred by allegations of irregularities, voter suppression, and lack of transparency in results management, left many Sierra Leoneans disillusioned. The opposition APC cried foul, while the ruling SLPP claimed victory amidst widespread skepticism. Civil society groups, international observers, and even regional bodies raised concerns about the credibility of the process. What was at stake in 2023 was not merely which party held power, but whether the will of the people truly mattered in Sierra Leone’s democracy.
For many citizens, the lessons are painful but clear: unless electoral reforms are pursued with urgency, the 2028 elections risk repeating the same mistakes. And this time, the consequences could be far more explosive, given the growing frustration of the population with both APC and SLPP.
APC and SLPP: A History of Betrayal
Both major parties, despite their ideological differences on paper, share a history of manipulating state institutions for political advantage. The APC, during its years in power, was accused of authoritarian tendencies, including the controversial removal of Vice President Sam-Sumana and manipulation of the judiciary. The SLPP, under President Bio, has similarly been accused of using the security sector, the Electoral Commission, and even civil society organizations to tighten its grip on power.
For ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the story is depressingly familiar: elections become less about service delivery or accountability, and more about who can outwit the system. This entrenched culture of manipulation has robbed the people of faith in their leaders and undermined the very foundation of democratic governance.
Why Electoral Justice Matters:
Electoral justice is not just about casting ballots; it is about ensuring that every vote counts and that the final outcome reflects the genuine will of the people. It requires an independent electoral commission, transparent results management, equal access for all political parties, and the protection of civil liberties. Without these pillars, elections become nothing more than a ritual of legitimizing fraud.
For Sierra Leoneans, electoral justice is also about dignity. After decades of war, hardship, and corruption, citizens want their voices to matter. They want leaders who emerge not from backroom deals or constitutional manipulation, but from genuine mandates.
The Road to 2028: What Should Change?
If Sierra Leone is to avoid chaos in 2028, several urgent steps must be taken:
Electoral Commission Reform:
The Electoral Commission must be insulated from political influence. Its leadership should be selected through a transparent and participatory process, ensuring independence and credibility.
Transparent Results Management:
Technology, such as biometric verification and real-time results publication, must be used to eliminate doubts about the integrity of results. Citizens must see their votes counted and respected.
Equal Playing Field:
The use of state resources for partisan advantage must stop. Both APC and SLPP must respect the principle of fairness, allowing smaller parties and independent candidates to participate fully.
Strengthening Civil Society and the Media:
Journalists and activists must be free to monitor, criticize, and expose wrongdoing without intimidation. A vibrant civil society is a critical safeguard against electoral malpractice.
International and Regional Oversight:
The African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations must play a stronger role in ensuring Sierra Leone adheres to democratic norms. Silence in the face of manipulation only emboldens ruling elites.
The Role of Sierra Leoneans:
Ultimately, the future of electoral justice does not rest solely in the hands of politicians or international observers. It rests with Sierra Leoneans themselves. Citizens must rise above blind loyalty to APC or SLPP and demand systems that serve their interests, not those of party elites. Civic participation, grassroots mobilization, and non-violent resistance to injustice are crucial tools in holding leaders accountable.
The youth, who make up the majority of voters, must be especially vigilant. They are the ones who will bear the brunt of failed governance if elections continue to be stolen. Instead of allowing themselves to be used as foot soldiers for politicians, young Sierra Leoneans must become guardians of democracy, demanding reforms and refusing to accept manipulation.
As 2028 approaches, Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture. Will the elections be another exercise in deception and betrayal, or will they mark a turning point toward genuine democracy? The answer depends on whether Sierra Leoneans demand and secure electoral justice.
The APC and SLPP may be the dominant political players, but they are not bigger than the people. If citizens unite to insist on fairness, neither party can impose its will unchecked. Sierra Leone cannot afford another disputed election that plunges the nation into uncertainty.
The time for vigilance is now. The time for reform is now. Electoral justice is not a privilege—it is a right. And unless Sierra Leone secures it before 2028, the promise of democracy will remain nothing but an illusion.