Glaring signs of a parallel government exist and seem to be operating in little Sierra Leone owing to a political gridlock which emanated from June 24, 2023 elections.
As strong suspicion of rigging takes root, All People’s Congress (APC)’s parliamentarians, mayors, chairmen and councillors have made up their minds not to participate in all levels of governance until credible results are published. APC remains highly critical of the election results announced by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Kenewui last June.
They have consistently argued that the polls do not reflect the will of the voters. Results published, few days ago, by APC are completely at variance by with Konneh’s, a factor responsible for the disagreement between the two parties hence the two governments.
A picture of two different administrations was created on the state opening of parliament. As President Julius Maada Bio was addressing SLPP (Sierra Leone People’s Party) parliamentarians, Dr Samura Kamara was holding a meeting with his own APC law makers in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone.
By their number, APC has what it takes to form a government. Parliament however was painted completely Green as only SLPP officials showed up at the opening ceremony, a move described as the first in history. SLPP boycotted an election in 1972, but not parliament.
Effort made by key stakeholders to bring the two sides under one roof has proved futile as neither party subscribes to a compromise plan. Whatever the case, President Julius Maada Bio will not play second fiddle to APC and vice versa. Each tries to have his own way.
Who Fuels The New APC Government?
Any viable political institution must possess power, authority and resources. A government can keep the state’s peace and stability if it possesses power, authority and legitimacy which it derives from the people through the supreme law, the constitution.
But, most importantly, government needs resources to provide for the needs of the people among whom they command obedience. Perhaps, one of the most pressing question APC faces is where to get the resources.
As determined as they are, APC members in the diaspora have pledged to support their party with finances so that they can continue with the stay-at-home and form a de facto government until the shadows of tyranny is lifted. Financial contributions to upkeep the parliamentarians, mayors and councillors are in full swing overseas.
The international community is also on APC’s side since they have always treated the election results with suspicion. They find it difficult to accept that the credibility of the elections, and they had insistently called on Konneh to release the actual one.
For the past two months, Konneh has been under pressure about the election results, but appears unready to comply with any demand, and Consequences are sure come.
The EU, UN, UK and US among others have withheld all financial support for Bio’s government with a view to weaken it. Who knows if the international community supports the shadow government who many consider actual winners of the elections.
Failed Mediation Nutures Parallel Govt
Several mediations have taken place since the stand-off erupted almost two months ago. Senior politicians have appealed to APC’s Presidential candidate, Dr Samura Kamara to accept a compromise plan from the ruling party, a move he does not countenance. Former Resident Minister, Northwest region recently called on Dr Kamara to accept and congratulate President Julius Maada Bio for the country to move on, but was also hesitant to accept the call.
Alpha Kanu who was Information and Communications Minister in the then APC government was quite hopeful of a easy pushover in convincing the APC presidential candidate to accept the June-24 polls.
But, the feedback from the APC camp left him with no hope. Arch Bishop Tamba Charles also embarked on similar moves, but it was a total failure as Calls for Kamara not to accept any compromise were pouring in from different sides. The Inter-Religious Council officials have called on the two parties to speak with one voice in the country’s interest, but have been turned down.
Despite the on-going stand off, all hope has not gone away as protracted negotiation between APC and SLPP has commenced. A headway is however difficult as Bio and his SLPP may not honour APC’s tough conditions.
Once on the negotiation table, APC has presented 13 points to government with fresh elections, freeing all protesters and political prisoners as well as allowing an international arbirter to preside over the negotiation and to conduct the election.
The conditions are tough thus making it safe to say that it would be difficult for the ruling party to accept the demands especially the first one which borders on holding another election.
Accepting the first demand is almost the same as transferring power to APC as SLPP politicians are sure of losing the elections if conducted, freely, fairly and honestly. The fear factor looms large owing to the involvement of international commissioners.
As if he wanted to fight the battle as one-man army, President Julius Maada Bio recently told SLPP supporters that he would defeat APC at anytime an election comes up. As long the two sides do not come terms, APC remains a stand-alone institution with potential for a shadow government.