By Donstance Koroma
Sierra Leoneans are urged to vote wisely ahead of the Presidential runoff polls slated for March, 27th, 2018. As the saying goes, no fish monger will publicly say his or her fish is rotten.
The main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is of the strongest conviction that Julius Maada Bio has what it takes to put smile on the faces of the ordinary man. On the other hand, the incumbent All People’s Congress (APC) Party will, without any fear, tell you that Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara is the long awaited economic reformer that will redeem the ancient economic status this nation was known for.
As a nation, it is prudent to put political party aside and carefully take a look at the two individuals that will determine the fate of ‘Mama Salone’ for the next five years.
Sierra Leone as a nation is gradually becoming an icon of democracy in the sub region and Africa as a whole. Such glory can only be associated with the citizens and not any specific government (s) or political party.
Another thing that is worth noting is the fact that political parties are all tenants whiles the ordinary voters are the true landlords of ‘Mama Salone.’ Therefore, they decide who they will rent the house that is full with milk and honey.
Because the ordinary voters are the true owners of the land, they dictate what should be the dos and don’ts of the tenant. That is, the politicians are not in any way masters but servants.
Many hold the view that election is a make or break event that must be characterized by violence, bloodshed or loss of lives of the very people they want to rule, which is not so.
Others see it as a game, but elections should be based on ideology, facts and policy analysis or an academic battle.
Therefore, it is expected of all politicians to face the reality and stop giving alcohol and other drugs related substances which will stimulate youths to perpetrate violence to satisfy their desire at the expense of the very youths.
What is sure in the election is that Sierra Leone is going to have its first ever Vice president from the Fullah ethnic group. This will make our democracy more inclusive and participatory.
It is therefore incumbent on all to have the nation at heart when voting for either Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara or Julius Maada Bio. It is true we can have another Samura Kamara or Maada Bio but we cannot have another Sierra Leone.
If Samura wins, Sierra Leone has won.
If Bio wins, Sierra Leone has won. Therefore vote wisely.
Because a nation divided in itself can’t stand, it beholds presidential candidates to disassociate from promoting tribal and regional divisions during campaigning ahead of the presidential runoff polls slated for March 27th , 2018.