By Sylvester Samai
The All People’s Congress (APC) should abandon any lingering hopes of a rerun of the 2023 elections and redirect its energy towards preparing for the 2028 elections. President Julius Maada Bio will remain president until then, and APC supporters must come to terms with this reality.
The 2023 elections were undeniably one of the most divisive and contentious in Sierra Leone’s modern history. The APC, confident in its widespread support, believed that the electoral process would yield favorable results. However, the outcome saw President Bio secure another term in office, much to the dismay of the APC and its supporters. Claims of electoral malpractice, vote rigging, and biased oversight by electoral bodies have been the bedrock of APC’s argument for a potential rerun.
Nevertheless, Sierra Leone’s electoral and political institutions, including the judiciary and the National Electoral Commission (NEC), have largely upheld the results of the 2023 elections. Despite mounting pressure and protests from the APC, there has been no credible indication that the election results will be overturned. The constitutional framework in Sierra Leone is structured to ensure the legitimacy and stability of the presidency, and at this point, there is little reason to believe that this will be jeopardized.
APC supporters should understand that while their grievances may be valid, the possibility of a rerun is diminishing with each passing day. The political machinery in Sierra Leone, led by President Bio, has moved forward with governance and has shown no signs of succumbing to pressure for an election rerun.
Sierra Leone’s constitution is designed to protect the stability of the state and its leadership. Once an election is conducted and certified by the NEC, challenging the results becomes a herculean task. The legal process for disputing election outcomes is fraught with complexity, requiring substantial evidence and legal maneuvering. While the APC has mounted various legal challenges, they have not produced any outcomes that would suggest a rerun is imminent.
Furthermore, Sierra Leone’s judiciary, though often criticized, has upheld the status quo in most election-related disputes. The courts have remained steadfast in their decisions, and there is no precedent in recent history for overturning an election result once it has been certified by the NEC. This legal reality makes the possibility of a rerun highly unlikely.
President Bio, having been sworn in and now firmly in office, is legally recognized as the head of state. APC supporters must understand that unless there is overwhelming, irrefutable evidence of widespread fraud that alters the outcome of the election (which, thus far, has not been proven), the judiciary will not invalidate the results of the 2023 elections. It is crucial for the APC to accept this legal reality and refocus its efforts on meaningful opposition rather than clinging to the hope of an electoral do-over.
Beyond the legal and constitutional hurdles, the political reality in Sierra Leone also makes a rerun of the 2023 elections highly improbable. President Bio has consolidated power, both within his Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and in the broader political arena. His administration, despite facing criticism from the opposition, has moved forward with its agenda, including key reforms in the education sector and the much-touted “Feed Salone” initiative.
Moreover, Bio enjoys the support of key international stakeholders who have recognized his presidency. The international community; particularly organizations like the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and even the United Nations, have largely accepted the results of the 2023 elections. These institutions are integral to ensuring peace and stability in post-election periods in Africa, and their endorsement of the election results further solidifies Bio’s presidency.
APC supporters must acknowledge that President Bio is not a leader who can be easily dislodged from power. His tenure until 2028 is virtually assured, barring any extraordinary developments. The focus of the APC should, therefore, be on building a stronger, more unified opposition that can effectively challenge the SLPP in the next election.
The APC is at a critical juncture. The party can either continue to engage in futile battles over the 2023 election results or it can shift gears and prepare for 2028. The latter option is the only viable path forward.
Strengthening the Party’s Structure: One of the glaring issues for the APC has been internal divisions and leadership struggle. These internal conflicts have weakened the party’s ability to present a united front. If the APC is to have any chance of regaining power in 2028, it must first put its house in order. This means addressing factionalism, ensuring cohesive leadership, and creating a clear and compelling vision for the future.
Engaging the Grassroots: While the APC is enjoying popular support in the northern regions, this support needs to be solidified and consolidated. The party must invest in grassroots mobilization, ensuring that it is not only seen as an opposition party but as a viable alternative to the SLPP. Engaging with ordinary Sierra Leoneans, addressing their concerns, and presenting policies that resonate with the populace should be at the forefront of the APC’s strategy.
Policy Development: A critical mistake the APC made in 2023 was failing to present a clear, compelling policy agenda that differentiated it from the SLPP. While the party criticized Bio’s administration, it did not offer a robust alternative vision for Sierra Leone’s future. In preparation for 2028, the APC must develop policies that speak to the needs of Sierra Leoneans, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and economic development.
Youth and Women’s Inclusion: The APC must broaden its appeal to Sierra Leone’s youth and women, two key demographics that are increasingly shaping the political landscape. The youth, in particular, represent a significant portion of the electorate, and the APC cannot afford to overlook their concerns. The party should actively engage with young people, offering them a platform and involving them in decision-making processes. Similarly, women’s inclusion in the party’s leadership and policy-making will be crucial to broadening its appeal.
Avoiding the pitfalls of Electoral Disappointment: Clinging to the hope of a re-run could be detrimental to the party’s future prospects. The APC risks alienating its supporters by continuously promising something that is unlikely to happen. Instead, the party should be honest with its supporters, acknowledging the reality of the situation while offering hope for the future. This honesty will foster trust and create a sense of unity within the party.
One of the most damaging consequences of the APC’s refusal to move on from the 2023 elections is the perpetuation of false hope among its supporters. Many APC loyalists genuinely believe that a rerun is possible, and this belief is being stoked by certain elements within the party leadership. However, continuing to fuel these expectations is both irresponsible and damaging.
APC supporters should not be fooled by party executives who promise a rerun. These promises are, at best, unrealistic and, at worst, a distraction from the real work that needs to be done. The sooner the party base comes to terms with the fact that President Bio is here to stay until 2028, the sooner they can begin working towards a more productive future.
False hope can also lead to political instability. When supporters are led to believe that a rerun is imminent, they may resort to protests and other forms of civil unrest when it becomes clear that their expectations will not be met. This instability is not only harmful to Sierra Leone’s democracy but could also lead to further divisions within the APC itself.
The 2023 elections are over, and President Bio will remain in power until 2028. This is a reality that the APC and its supporters must accept. Rather than wasting energy on an unlikely rerun, the party should focus on rebuilding, strengthening its base, and preparing for the next elections.
The road to 2028 will not be easy, but with the right strategy, one that is completely free from the current alarming rerun-propaganda, the APC can position itself as a formidable force that is ready to take on the SLPP. It is time for the APC to stop looking backward and start looking forward. Sierra Leone needs a strong opposition, and the APC has the potential to fulfill that role—if it is willing to let go of the past and embrace the future.