The elections have come and gone... but not far enough it seems. The SLPP have "not accepted the results" and are calling upon their elected party members to boycott Parliament and local Councils. Essentially staying away from their jobs... These guys (all men) are broke... they've spent every last Leone on the elections... and they need the money. In my mind, this boycott, called for by the National Executive of the SLPP will surely divide their ranks and further split the party. And, how many of those duly or unduly elected SLPP'ers will opt to join the APC (for want of favour or cash). Oh dear... the divide grows.
The SLPP Executive are calling upon the international community to step in and do an investigation... When will they learn. This election has been touted as an "all Sierra Leoneon election", and now they want some sort of validation or adjudication from the international community. Firstly, I have severe doubts that this was an "all Sierra Leonean do". No way! I'll come back to that in other blog posts. And secondly, haven't the FIVE international observer missions spoken loudly enough?
There will never be a "perfect" election, anywhere in the world. Here in Sierra Leone it's probably not possible to have an "adequate" election. On a percentage scale, all we're hoping for is a 60%. For me, I'm not satisfied with that and would want more... but for most Sierra Leoneans, big men, women, business people, journalists, etc. etc. they seem content with a "bare pass" to their elections. What a shame, I say. We should be demanding an election that is completely transparent, totally free and fair, etc. etc.
If we can't manage that... well... I don't know...
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
For something completely different...
In Sierra Leone, up to 90% of women have undergone some form of "female genital cutting" (according to some local UN statistics). It's a very controversial issue here... a mixture of culture, tradition, "western views", economics, belonging, etc. etc.
Is the international community now standing up to address the issue?
UNITED NATIONS -- Campaigners against female circumcision scored a major victory Monday with the approval by a key U.N. committee of a resolution calling for a global ban on female genital mutilation.
The resolution, adopted by consensus by the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee, calls the practice harmful and a serious threat to the psychological, sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.
It calls on the U.N.'s 193 member states to condemn the practice, known as FGM, and launch education campaigns for girls and boys, women and men, to eliminate it. It also urges all countries to enact and enforce legislation to prohibit FGM, to protect women and girls "from this form of violence," and to end impunity for violators.
With 110 sponsors, the resolution is virtually certain to be approved by the full General Assembly, which is expected to take it up in the second half of December. Although not legally binding, assembly resolutions reflect international concerns and carry moral and political weight.
Italy's U.N. Ambassador Cesare Maria Ragaglini, who has been working with African partners for a ban, called the resolution "a breakthrough in the international campaign to end the harmful practice of FGM."
"I think that together we can change the fate of many young girls around the world, and today this goal appears closer than ever," he said. "The resolution, in condemning the practice and promoting social and educational programs, is ... the beginning of a new journey."
The centuries-old practice stems from beliefs that FGM controls women's sexuality, enhances fertility, or is required by religious belief – although both Muslim and Christian leaders have spoken out against it.
The procedure involves the removal of a girl's clitoris and sometimes also other genital parts, usually in childhood or early adolescence. Critics say it can lead to painful sexual intercourse, complications in childbirth, and eliminates any pleasure for women during sex.
The U.N. said in 2010 that about 70 million girls and women had undergone the procedure, and the World Health Organization said about 6,000 girls were circumcised every day.
According
to Amnesty International, FGM is commonplace in 28 countries in Africa
as well as in Yemen, Iraq, Malaysia, Indonesia and among certain ethnic
groups in South America, but it is also a worldwide concern because it
is also practiced by immigrants in diaspora communities.
Jose Luis Diaz, Amnesty International's U.N. representative, said this is the first time the General Assembly's human rights committee has addressed the problem.
"FGM is an indictment of us all – that a girl or young woman can be held down and mutilated is a violation of her human rights and, shockingly, an estimated three million girls are at risk each year," he said.
Alvilda Jablonko, coordinator of the FGM program at the organization No Peace Without Justice, applauded the committee's action as "a landmark step in the international campaign to foster global leadership" in the campaign against the practice.
Is the international community now standing up to address the issue?
UNITED NATIONS -- Campaigners against female circumcision scored a major victory Monday with the approval by a key U.N. committee of a resolution calling for a global ban on female genital mutilation.
The resolution, adopted by consensus by the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee, calls the practice harmful and a serious threat to the psychological, sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.
It calls on the U.N.'s 193 member states to condemn the practice, known as FGM, and launch education campaigns for girls and boys, women and men, to eliminate it. It also urges all countries to enact and enforce legislation to prohibit FGM, to protect women and girls "from this form of violence," and to end impunity for violators.
With 110 sponsors, the resolution is virtually certain to be approved by the full General Assembly, which is expected to take it up in the second half of December. Although not legally binding, assembly resolutions reflect international concerns and carry moral and political weight.
Italy's U.N. Ambassador Cesare Maria Ragaglini, who has been working with African partners for a ban, called the resolution "a breakthrough in the international campaign to end the harmful practice of FGM."
"I think that together we can change the fate of many young girls around the world, and today this goal appears closer than ever," he said. "The resolution, in condemning the practice and promoting social and educational programs, is ... the beginning of a new journey."
The centuries-old practice stems from beliefs that FGM controls women's sexuality, enhances fertility, or is required by religious belief – although both Muslim and Christian leaders have spoken out against it.
The procedure involves the removal of a girl's clitoris and sometimes also other genital parts, usually in childhood or early adolescence. Critics say it can lead to painful sexual intercourse, complications in childbirth, and eliminates any pleasure for women during sex.
The U.N. said in 2010 that about 70 million girls and women had undergone the procedure, and the World Health Organization said about 6,000 girls were circumcised every day.
Jose Luis Diaz, Amnesty International's U.N. representative, said this is the first time the General Assembly's human rights committee has addressed the problem.
"FGM is an indictment of us all – that a girl or young woman can be held down and mutilated is a violation of her human rights and, shockingly, an estimated three million girls are at risk each year," he said.
Alvilda Jablonko, coordinator of the FGM program at the organization No Peace Without Justice, applauded the committee's action as "a landmark step in the international campaign to foster global leadership" in the campaign against the practice.
Should the international community investigate?
Last night the SLPP held an executive meeting... and decided NOT to accept the results of the recent election. Here's the press from their office.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
New ideas for old election routines...
Okay... a lot is going on in Sierra Leone around the elections... We all know this by now. But, very little talk has circulated about any other way to run elections. If we're striving for a gold standard, it won't happen... and doesn't happen anywhere in the world. So, "this is Africa" (as I'm so often told) and we're only hoping for the bronze. Personally, I'm not satisfied with that.
So, I've put some thought into "other" ways we could run elections here in Sierra Leone. Let me provide a proviso before I attempt to convince everyone of this "new way". I'm only joking... Please remember this... I'm only joking. Don't misquote me or take my words out of context. Again, I'm only joking.
I have to say that three times, at least, because here in Salone so many things are distorted by ill-intentioned media folks who love to ramp up discussion by misquoting and misinforming readers or listeners. That said... Here's my idea for the next election in Salone... Perhaps all parties concerned will deem this process credible. (tongue in cheek)
Okay...
Let's place the leaders of the political parties vying for President into a house for one month (the period of this year's election campaign)... Yes, you've guessed it... An election based on the popular TV show, "big brother".
Each week, candidates will have a series of tasks to do... Negotiate who cleans the bathroom. Work together to change a lightbulb. Carry a 5 gallon container of water on their heads. Cook for each other. Work within a household budget. Find their way around the house in the pitch dark. Meet door-to-door salespeople and dissuade them from coming back. Take bucket baths in the compound. Care for a sick relative who visits. Iron clothes. Oversee house staff. Renovate the garage or build a fence. Plan an event. Etc. etc.
Along the way, they'd provide updates on personal webcams or radio broadcasts. Then, at the end of a two-week period, the audience or people of Sierra Leone could "vote" one of the leaders OUT of the house. Yes, there are ways of checking on texts and votes via phone...
By the end of the show/campaign period... we'd have a leader who pays attention to the people around him/her. They'd know how to negotiate and live together. They'd know how to run a household and care for others. They'd know how to deal with life's little emergencies. They'd be able to live life like an ordinary citizens of this country. And, they could illustrate all of these characteristics live on a 24 hour television channel or radio channel or even online. We'd probably get a truer picture of who these leaders are and what they're capable of.
It would be cheaper... for sure. And, we'd avoid a little of the nonsense of political rallies, rhetorical speeches that say nothing, bribery, buying votes, over-voting, spoiled ballots, etc. And, it's accessible to disabled groups, prisoners, women, children, men, market women, illiterates, young and old.
Okay... I'm just joking... but perhaps the US, Canada, UK, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Libya, et al might want to consider this new way of running an election... Hmmm, just joking.
Back to the realities of sweet Salone... I have to kick in the generator 'cause I'm about to run out of computer power and want to post this on the internet. Candles are lovely... but they don't power my internet connection or my computer or phone.
S/
So, I've put some thought into "other" ways we could run elections here in Sierra Leone. Let me provide a proviso before I attempt to convince everyone of this "new way". I'm only joking... Please remember this... I'm only joking. Don't misquote me or take my words out of context. Again, I'm only joking.
I have to say that three times, at least, because here in Salone so many things are distorted by ill-intentioned media folks who love to ramp up discussion by misquoting and misinforming readers or listeners. That said... Here's my idea for the next election in Salone... Perhaps all parties concerned will deem this process credible. (tongue in cheek)
Okay...
Let's place the leaders of the political parties vying for President into a house for one month (the period of this year's election campaign)... Yes, you've guessed it... An election based on the popular TV show, "big brother".
Each week, candidates will have a series of tasks to do... Negotiate who cleans the bathroom. Work together to change a lightbulb. Carry a 5 gallon container of water on their heads. Cook for each other. Work within a household budget. Find their way around the house in the pitch dark. Meet door-to-door salespeople and dissuade them from coming back. Take bucket baths in the compound. Care for a sick relative who visits. Iron clothes. Oversee house staff. Renovate the garage or build a fence. Plan an event. Etc. etc.
Along the way, they'd provide updates on personal webcams or radio broadcasts. Then, at the end of a two-week period, the audience or people of Sierra Leone could "vote" one of the leaders OUT of the house. Yes, there are ways of checking on texts and votes via phone...
By the end of the show/campaign period... we'd have a leader who pays attention to the people around him/her. They'd know how to negotiate and live together. They'd know how to run a household and care for others. They'd know how to deal with life's little emergencies. They'd be able to live life like an ordinary citizens of this country. And, they could illustrate all of these characteristics live on a 24 hour television channel or radio channel or even online. We'd probably get a truer picture of who these leaders are and what they're capable of.
It would be cheaper... for sure. And, we'd avoid a little of the nonsense of political rallies, rhetorical speeches that say nothing, bribery, buying votes, over-voting, spoiled ballots, etc. And, it's accessible to disabled groups, prisoners, women, children, men, market women, illiterates, young and old.
Okay... I'm just joking... but perhaps the US, Canada, UK, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Libya, et al might want to consider this new way of running an election... Hmmm, just joking.
Back to the realities of sweet Salone... I have to kick in the generator 'cause I'm about to run out of computer power and want to post this on the internet. Candles are lovely... but they don't power my internet connection or my computer or phone.
S/
SLPP statement after the elections
Here's the statement from the SLPP. Interesting use of language...
Hold the presses...
Yeah, I've always wanted to run into a newsroom or print shop and yell that... Guess this electronic vehicle will have to suffice.
No, the elections weren't halted... the re-elected President Koroma was immediately sworn in following the announcement of the election results. And, many people in Freetown went slightly mad - running onto the streets, jubilating, dancing, singing, banging pot lids, honking horns, etc.
Yes, that all happened... and today (Saturday) the streets were quiet in the morning... but by 1:00 PM people were out and about... wearing their red t-shirts, scarves, hats, pants, wristbands, capes, glasses, etc. It was remarkably "red" today in Freetown. Thousands of APC supporters took to the streets... not for a rally, per se, but to show off their victory by strolling around in party colours.
I drove around town on my little motorbike and was inundated by impromptu parades of supporters... people strolling, young folks singing... and dancing. Mega-speakers and "music sets" were set up along the roads and the red gyrating was dizzying.
Amidst the hoop-la, the SLPP held a brief press conference. To be honest, I expected Julius Maada Bio to graciously concede to the incumbent Koroma and the APC. But, many people were surprised when the SLPP announced that they found the elections NOT free, fair nor transparent... and found many instances of election malpractice. Bio stopped short of saying he wouldn't accept the results... yet. But, he did say he wasn't happy... and a final decision/direction would be decided by the SLPP executive on Tuesday.
Officially, anyone in the country can launch a lawsuit with the High Court for up to seven days following the election. And it looks like the SLPP might be plotting that route. Essentially, Bio and the SLPP have two options, in my opinion. They could graciously accept the outcome of these elections, which many international observers have deemed "credible". OR, he could denounce the elections as not credible... and launch a legal challenge. He did not call to congratulate the incumbent. No one from SLPP made any official statement till this press conference.
Of course there's always the risk (slight as it is) of "taking to the streets", which means violence. The "big boys" within the SLPP including it's Chair, John Benjamin, have made it pretty clear prior to and just after the elections... If they deem the elections not credible they are willing to take all corrective measures. I don't know what that really means... but violence could be part of that picture. To be honest, I doubt very much if that's a realistic option for the SLPP... given the history of this country... and the fact that NO ONE wants any violence. They say that but judging from some of the heated discussions prior to and after the elections, I'm just not sure.
In any case, this thing may not be over yet. We'll have to wait till at least Tuesday to hear back from the SLPP... and till then, the re-elected President is having a ball. This evening, he and a very large entourage toured the city... They drove through Congo Cross area around 5:00 PM heading west and are due back through this area later tonight. Some smart commentators here have labeled this the "victory lap", which in many ways is appropriately put.
The re-elected President tours the city... and the leadership of the SLPP plots their next step. It ain't over yet, it seems.
S/
No, the elections weren't halted... the re-elected President Koroma was immediately sworn in following the announcement of the election results. And, many people in Freetown went slightly mad - running onto the streets, jubilating, dancing, singing, banging pot lids, honking horns, etc.
Yes, that all happened... and today (Saturday) the streets were quiet in the morning... but by 1:00 PM people were out and about... wearing their red t-shirts, scarves, hats, pants, wristbands, capes, glasses, etc. It was remarkably "red" today in Freetown. Thousands of APC supporters took to the streets... not for a rally, per se, but to show off their victory by strolling around in party colours.
I drove around town on my little motorbike and was inundated by impromptu parades of supporters... people strolling, young folks singing... and dancing. Mega-speakers and "music sets" were set up along the roads and the red gyrating was dizzying.
Amidst the hoop-la, the SLPP held a brief press conference. To be honest, I expected Julius Maada Bio to graciously concede to the incumbent Koroma and the APC. But, many people were surprised when the SLPP announced that they found the elections NOT free, fair nor transparent... and found many instances of election malpractice. Bio stopped short of saying he wouldn't accept the results... yet. But, he did say he wasn't happy... and a final decision/direction would be decided by the SLPP executive on Tuesday.
Officially, anyone in the country can launch a lawsuit with the High Court for up to seven days following the election. And it looks like the SLPP might be plotting that route. Essentially, Bio and the SLPP have two options, in my opinion. They could graciously accept the outcome of these elections, which many international observers have deemed "credible". OR, he could denounce the elections as not credible... and launch a legal challenge. He did not call to congratulate the incumbent. No one from SLPP made any official statement till this press conference.
Of course there's always the risk (slight as it is) of "taking to the streets", which means violence. The "big boys" within the SLPP including it's Chair, John Benjamin, have made it pretty clear prior to and just after the elections... If they deem the elections not credible they are willing to take all corrective measures. I don't know what that really means... but violence could be part of that picture. To be honest, I doubt very much if that's a realistic option for the SLPP... given the history of this country... and the fact that NO ONE wants any violence. They say that but judging from some of the heated discussions prior to and after the elections, I'm just not sure.
In any case, this thing may not be over yet. We'll have to wait till at least Tuesday to hear back from the SLPP... and till then, the re-elected President is having a ball. This evening, he and a very large entourage toured the city... They drove through Congo Cross area around 5:00 PM heading west and are due back through this area later tonight. Some smart commentators here have labeled this the "victory lap", which in many ways is appropriately put.
The re-elected President tours the city... and the leadership of the SLPP plots their next step. It ain't over yet, it seems.
S/
"Elections don don" as they say.
In the aftermath of the Salone elections, the streets are very quiet... Saturday morning after Friday night results... Whew. I for one, am glad that's over.
By all accounts this morning, things were relatively peaceful last night... as thousands of APC supporters took to the streets... dancing, singing, banging pot lids, shouting and honking horns. The unusual November rain last night helped quell the jubilations, which was probably a good thing.
As I look off my balcony, I see the giant Maada Bio poster still standing in the middle of Congo Cross... where thousands of APC supporters gathered last night. That's a good, positive indication that things didn't get too out of hand.
I was so pleased to see the voter turnout, the peaceful lines of people, the orderly conduct of the polling stations, the lack of party colours, etc. on voting day (17th Nov). Then, the wait was excruciating... Finally, the official announcement and swearing in ceremony put an end to the build-up. Whew... Months and months of campaigning, propaganda, complaints and counter-claims, suspicion, back-stabbing and back and forth are finished.
I'm working on several pieces, now that things are finished (hopefully) and I'll post notes as I go. Time for the analysis...
Some are very happy... Some are not. That's the way elections go... and that's the way democracy runs... It may not be the "gold standard" but, as Sierra Leoneans say, "we're trying".
More later.
S/
By all accounts this morning, things were relatively peaceful last night... as thousands of APC supporters took to the streets... dancing, singing, banging pot lids, shouting and honking horns. The unusual November rain last night helped quell the jubilations, which was probably a good thing.
As I look off my balcony, I see the giant Maada Bio poster still standing in the middle of Congo Cross... where thousands of APC supporters gathered last night. That's a good, positive indication that things didn't get too out of hand.
I was so pleased to see the voter turnout, the peaceful lines of people, the orderly conduct of the polling stations, the lack of party colours, etc. on voting day (17th Nov). Then, the wait was excruciating... Finally, the official announcement and swearing in ceremony put an end to the build-up. Whew... Months and months of campaigning, propaganda, complaints and counter-claims, suspicion, back-stabbing and back and forth are finished.
I'm working on several pieces, now that things are finished (hopefully) and I'll post notes as I go. Time for the analysis...
Some are very happy... Some are not. That's the way elections go... and that's the way democracy runs... It may not be the "gold standard" but, as Sierra Leoneans say, "we're trying".
More later.
S/
Friday, November 23, 2012
Reuters piece on the election
Here's an article written by Reuters...
(Reuters) - Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in for a second term on Friday after winning elections, promising to boost foreign investment and crack down on corruption in the war-scarred nation.
Koroma took 58.7 percent of the ballots in a November 17 poll, just above the 55 percent he needed to avoid a run-off, election officials announced. His main rival, Julius Maada Bio, a 48-year-old retired army brigadier, took 37.4 percent.
"I
will make sure that the fruits of ... prosperity are equally distributed
in every district and every region. The work starts today."
The election was the third national vote since the end of a 1991-2002 civil war that made Sierra Leone notorious as a "blood diamonds" battleground for rebels and child soldiers.
After Koroma's win was announced, groups of youths shouted and cheered under a cotton tree in the centre of Freetown, a landmark where slaves were once bought and sold.
"I'm pleased, very happy (...) He brings joy in Sierra Leone. Ernest brings joy in the heart of the people," said Abdul Deen, 41, who runs a decorating business.
At stake in the vote was the opportunity to oversee billions of dollars of investment in the aid-dependent country's resources that include gold and diamonds, oil and iron ore.
Iron-ore shipments by British companies African Minerals and London Mining are expected to buoy the economy to 20 percent growth this year - below original forecasts of more than 50 percent, but still one of the highest growth rates on the planet.
Election officials and observers reported a large and enthusiastic turnout in the polls, and observers called the process free and fair.
Koroma and his ruling All People's Congress (APC) faced a determined challenge from Bio, a former junta leader who represents the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
Koroma wrested the presidency from the SLPP in a hotly disputed 2007 vote and was considered the narrow favourite above Bio, who was involved in two military takeovers in the turbulent 1990s.
Bio supporters were dismayed by the outcome, many claiming the results were fraudulent.
"As for me, the election does not go down well with us," said Frank Mattia, a 28-year-old student. "Ernest Bai Koroma has rigged the election which is not free and fair to us, the people of this country."
The electoral commission said there were some polling stations where votes exceeded registered voters, but said those results were thrown out and were too few to have an impact on the election's outcome.
An SLPP official declined comment, saying an official statement would be issued over the weekend.
The election in the former British colony was one of the most closely observed in Africa this year by monitors from the European Union, the Commonwealth and the African Union.
Doubts remain whether Koroma can root out graft from Sierra Leone's patronage-driven politics and fairly distribute the mineral wealth.
"If they get through this successfully, I think it will mark the tipping point from a post-conflict country to a democratically developing one," John Stremlau, of the Atlanta-based Carter Centre's election observer mission, said.
(Reuters) - Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in for a second term on Friday after winning elections, promising to boost foreign investment and crack down on corruption in the war-scarred nation.
Koroma took 58.7 percent of the ballots in a November 17 poll, just above the 55 percent he needed to avoid a run-off, election officials announced. His main rival, Julius Maada Bio, a 48-year-old retired army brigadier, took 37.4 percent.
"We
will continue to attract investment, we will continue to fight
corruption," Koroma said in a speech to cheering supporters in the
ramshackle capital Freetown.
The election was the third national vote since the end of a 1991-2002 civil war that made Sierra Leone notorious as a "blood diamonds" battleground for rebels and child soldiers.
After Koroma's win was announced, groups of youths shouted and cheered under a cotton tree in the centre of Freetown, a landmark where slaves were once bought and sold.
"I'm pleased, very happy (...) He brings joy in Sierra Leone. Ernest brings joy in the heart of the people," said Abdul Deen, 41, who runs a decorating business.
At stake in the vote was the opportunity to oversee billions of dollars of investment in the aid-dependent country's resources that include gold and diamonds, oil and iron ore.
Iron-ore shipments by British companies African Minerals and London Mining are expected to buoy the economy to 20 percent growth this year - below original forecasts of more than 50 percent, but still one of the highest growth rates on the planet.
Election officials and observers reported a large and enthusiastic turnout in the polls, and observers called the process free and fair.
Koroma and his ruling All People's Congress (APC) faced a determined challenge from Bio, a former junta leader who represents the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
Koroma wrested the presidency from the SLPP in a hotly disputed 2007 vote and was considered the narrow favourite above Bio, who was involved in two military takeovers in the turbulent 1990s.
Bio supporters were dismayed by the outcome, many claiming the results were fraudulent.
"As for me, the election does not go down well with us," said Frank Mattia, a 28-year-old student. "Ernest Bai Koroma has rigged the election which is not free and fair to us, the people of this country."
The electoral commission said there were some polling stations where votes exceeded registered voters, but said those results were thrown out and were too few to have an impact on the election's outcome.
An SLPP official declined comment, saying an official statement would be issued over the weekend.
The election in the former British colony was one of the most closely observed in Africa this year by monitors from the European Union, the Commonwealth and the African Union.
Doubts remain whether Koroma can root out graft from Sierra Leone's patronage-driven politics and fairly distribute the mineral wealth.
"If they get through this successfully, I think it will mark the tipping point from a post-conflict country to a democratically developing one," John Stremlau, of the Atlanta-based Carter Centre's election observer mission, said.
Tallies...
Tallies are complete...
The Results:
9,269 polling station results were entered into the result database, representing 97.6% of all polling stations across the country, excluding those that were invalidated.
The average national turnout is 87.3%.
The total number of valid votes cast is 2,350,626.
There are 108,898 invalid votes, representing 4.7% of total votes cast.
Darn impressive... Sierra Leoneans sure are passionate about their politics.
The Results:
9,269 polling station results were entered into the result database, representing 97.6% of all polling stations across the country, excluding those that were invalidated.
The average national turnout is 87.3%.
The total number of valid votes cast is 2,350,626.
There are 108,898 invalid votes, representing 4.7% of total votes cast.
Darn impressive... Sierra Leoneans sure are passionate about their politics.
Whew... what a night
Well... it's done... finally. APC's Koroma wins... and no run-off election.
My fingers are tired from tweeting... if you want to follow the tweets, search for #salonevotes2012 on Twitter.
Streets filled with jubilant supporters as soon as the results were announced... dancing, signing and banging pot lids... Quite a party.
Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in immediately following the announcement... along with his VP, Sam Sumana.
Let's see what the next few days hold
.NATIONAL RESULTS
In exercise of the powers conferred on the Returning Officer by section 52 of the Public Elections Act, 2012, I hereby certify that 1,314,881 valid votes were cast in favour of the candidate ERNEST BAI KOROMA at that election:
AND ERNEST BAI KOROMA therefore received 58.7% of valid votes cast in the election
ERNEST BAI KOROMA has been duly elected president of the Republic of Sierra Leone at the Presidential election of 2012.
Any citizen of Sierra Leone may challenge the validity of the election of the president by petition to the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, within seven days after the declaration of the presidential results.
My fingers are tired from tweeting... if you want to follow the tweets, search for #salonevotes2012 on Twitter.
Streets filled with jubilant supporters as soon as the results were announced... dancing, signing and banging pot lids... Quite a party.
Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in immediately following the announcement... along with his VP, Sam Sumana.
Let's see what the next few days hold
.NATIONAL RESULTS
Candidate |
Party |
Votes
|
Percentage |
| KOROMA, ERNEST BAI | APC | 1 314 881 |
58.7%
|
| CAREW, JOSHUA ALBERT | CDP | 22 863 |
1.0%
|
| KAMARA, GIBRILLA | PDP | 8 273 |
0.4%
|
| CONTEH, KANDEH BABA | PLP | 6 144 |
0.3%
|
| MARGAI, CHARLES FRANCIS | PMDC | 28 944 |
1.3%
|
| COLLINS, ELDRED | RUFP | 12 993 |
0.6%
|
| BIO, JULIUS MAADA | SLPP | 837 517 |
37.4%
|
| BANGURA, MOHAMED | UDM | 5 069 |
0.2%
|
| FULLAH, JAMES OBAI | UNPP | 5 044 |
0.2%
|
In exercise of the powers conferred on the Returning Officer by section 52 of the Public Elections Act, 2012, I hereby certify that 1,314,881 valid votes were cast in favour of the candidate ERNEST BAI KOROMA at that election:
AND ERNEST BAI KOROMA therefore received 58.7% of valid votes cast in the election
ERNEST BAI KOROMA has been duly elected president of the Republic of Sierra Leone at the Presidential election of 2012.
Any citizen of Sierra Leone may challenge the validity of the election of the president by petition to the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, within seven days after the declaration of the presidential results.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Clouds of uncertainty...
There's a strange cloud hanging over Freetown these days... It's the cloud of uncertainty.
We're still waiting for the official announcement of election results... and the country is on edge. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) held a press conference last night and announced... get this... they're still counting. Madam Thorpe, the Chair of the NEC, also informed the country that 10% of the ballot boxes have been placed in quarantine. (Undoubtedly some have spots/measles which don't jive with voter registration numbers or have "pre-marked" spots that have invalidated the ballot) Ten percent of the approximately 12,000 ballot boxes is a substantial number and there's no word on when they'll be finished with the counting or validating. BTW, Sierra Leone voted four times... and had approximately 3000 polling stations.
The cloud isn't lifting any time soon... and official results aren't expected today (Thursday 22 November).
At the press conference held yesterday, Madam Thorpe mentioned a number of complaints made by the main opposition party, SLPP. She and her team are looking into the identified problems... but she stated that any evidence of election malpractice should be taken to the police. Hmmm, the reaction from most of Freetown is... "why the police? They're generally useless."
Political intrigue continues as SLPP and others uncovers further "evidence" of malpractice...
Rumours... rumours are everywhere...
Still waiting to see/hear - officially.
S/
We're still waiting for the official announcement of election results... and the country is on edge. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) held a press conference last night and announced... get this... they're still counting. Madam Thorpe, the Chair of the NEC, also informed the country that 10% of the ballot boxes have been placed in quarantine. (Undoubtedly some have spots/measles which don't jive with voter registration numbers or have "pre-marked" spots that have invalidated the ballot) Ten percent of the approximately 12,000 ballot boxes is a substantial number and there's no word on when they'll be finished with the counting or validating. BTW, Sierra Leone voted four times... and had approximately 3000 polling stations.
The cloud isn't lifting any time soon... and official results aren't expected today (Thursday 22 November).
At the press conference held yesterday, Madam Thorpe mentioned a number of complaints made by the main opposition party, SLPP. She and her team are looking into the identified problems... but she stated that any evidence of election malpractice should be taken to the police. Hmmm, the reaction from most of Freetown is... "why the police? They're generally useless."
Political intrigue continues as SLPP and others uncovers further "evidence" of malpractice...
Rumours... rumours are everywhere...
Still waiting to see/hear - officially.
S/
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A good information piece...
SIERRA LEONE: Opposition cries foul after election
FREETOWN, 21 November 2012 (IRIN) - The Sierra Leone People’s Party, the main opposition party in Sierra Leone, has accused the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of bias in favour of President Koroma’s All People’s Congress (APC) in presidential, parliamentary and local elections on 17 November.
Voting was carried out peacefully, and has been commended by observers, but allegations of irregularities have increased tensions as Sierra Leone waits for official results to be released.
“The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is dismayed at the extent of the irregularities which have come to light,” said party Secretary-General SulaimanTejan-Sie on 19 November. Addressing reporters in the SLPP headquarters, Tejan-Sie spoke of a “catalogue of malpractices and the apparent unwillingness of the National Electoral Commission to address them”.
SLPP accused the electoral commission of instructing people to vote for the ruling party, saying it has video evidence of the commission “directing voters to vote for specific candidates”.
A pamphlet released by the SLPP also makes accusations of ballot-stuffing, as well as physical assaults on polling agents by state security services. It also accused certain NEC officials of allowing people to vote without voter ID cards.
President Koroma’s APC has long faced such allegations from the rival party. Before the vote SLPP chairman John Oponjo Benjamin told IRIN: “There has been a lot of misuse of incumbency, so we are not going into these elections on a level playing field.”
The SLPP’s pamphlet concluded that the party was “only willing to accept results from an election that is considered credible… These unfortunate incidences not only have the potential to undermine the credibility of the election results but have the tendency to derail our effort to consolidate our hard-earned peace,” it said.
On 20 November there were reports of a skirmish in the eastern town of Kailahun, with AFP news agency reporting that police used teargas to disperse a group of APC supporters celebrating victory based on unofficial results released by the Independent Radio Network. It is seen as crucial that official results are released as soon as possible to end any uncertainty and speculation. The NEC announced on 20 November it had tallied 75 percent of the votes thus far.
NEC spokesman Albert Massaquoi denied allegations of NEC involvement in election malpractices. “It is not our policy to do that,” he told IRIN. “We are aware of some minor malpractices. But the commission is satisfied with the election process so far,” he said.
The statement also warned Sierra Leoneans against violence as they wait for the results. “The Secretary-General calls on Sierra Leone's political leaders, parties and their supporters to accept the will of the people and to put their country above any other interests so as not to jeopardize Sierra Leone's hard-won peace.”
EU observers
Richard Howitt, head of the European Union Election Observation Mission in Sierra Leone, told reporters: “The EU preliminary assessment… records that so far in this election, there has been respect for freedom of speech, movement and universal suffrage.”
He also commended the performance of the NEC. “Overall we find that NEC has been independent and has been impartial,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that there were shortcomings in the process, and said that the elections had been conducted on an “uneven playing field”. “Unequal access to resources clearly affected the campaign,” he said, explaining that APC had enjoyed 61 percent of airtime on the state broadcaster the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, compared to 18 percent for SLPP.
He told reporters that his team had observed at least three cases of vote-buying by the APC, as well as one case of over-voting in Kenema, eastern Sierra Leone. But he clarified that this was an exception, not a trend. “We are asking the hard questions and will report all our findings in an unbiased way,” he told IRIN on 17 November.
The election, which pits President Koroma against former junta leader Julius Maada Bio, is seen as a critical test of Sierra Leone’s recovery 10 years after the end of the civil-war. President Koroma is widely tipped to win a second term in power, on the back of economic growth and extensive infrastructural improvements over the last five years.
If no candidate wins 55 percent of the vote the country will go to the polls again in a run-off next month.
Still waiting...
Polls closed at 5:00 PM on Saturday 17th November. It's now Wednesday the 21st at noon... and we still don't know the results of the elections.
IRN, partnered with BBC Media Action, Cotton Tree News, et al have been reading "provisional results" since Saturday night. Some political parties have jumped the gun... and reported "wins and losses" but NOTHING has been officially tallied nor announced.
Three and a half days of counting... in a country with fewer than 2.5 million voters... Hmmm, something's amiss. I know some ballot boxes have been "quarantined" for closer scrutiny... but still... I have to wonder at the delays.
However, things remain relatively peaceful... but people are anxious and eager to hear the final results.
Waiting and waiting... Soon my phone will ring.
S/
IRN, partnered with BBC Media Action, Cotton Tree News, et al have been reading "provisional results" since Saturday night. Some political parties have jumped the gun... and reported "wins and losses" but NOTHING has been officially tallied nor announced.
Three and a half days of counting... in a country with fewer than 2.5 million voters... Hmmm, something's amiss. I know some ballot boxes have been "quarantined" for closer scrutiny... but still... I have to wonder at the delays.
However, things remain relatively peaceful... but people are anxious and eager to hear the final results.
Waiting and waiting... Soon my phone will ring.
S/
Views on SLBC...
I feel compelled to respond to the media
observations made by the EU Observer Mission and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting
Corporation (SLBC).
I’ll start with the relevant
sections of the SLBC Act… where it clearly states the duties and
responsibilities of the public broadcasting corporation. Then, I’ll highlight
the findings of the EU Observers Mission… Finally, let’s look at what the SLBC
said in their press release.
PART III–FUNCTIONS OF CORPORATION
10. (1) The object for which the Corporation is
established is to provide information, education, entertainment and reflect all
shades of opinion throughout Sierra Leone.
(2) Without prejudice to the
generality of subsection (1), the Corporation–
(c) shall allow and accept limited sponsorship for programmes and
advertisement, except that no sponsorship shall be allowed for news programmes
or accepted from political, ethnic or religious groups or institutions;
(o) shall provide appropriate coverage of the proceedings of key
decision making bodies, including Parliament;
11. (1) In the discharge of its functions under section 9,
the Corporation shall be guided by principles geared toward the development of
free and educated opinion, the respect for the rule of law, human rights and
with due regard to issues of public interest and fair play.
(2) Without prejudice to the
generality of subsection (1), the discharge of its functions of the Corporation
under section 9, shall be guided by –
(a) Sierra Leone’s constitutional
guarantees of freedom of expression;
(b) the principles enshrined in the
Media Code of Conduct adopted by Sierra Leone’s Independent Media Commission;
(c) promotion of fair competition based on internationally accepted
principles for a public broadcaster, which include independent management,
public servile ethos and representation of all viewpoints and sectors of
society in a non-partisan and objective manner;
d) accountability to the public
through an independent board, protected against interference of a political or
economic nature, with editorial independence and adequately funded in a manner
that protects it from arbitrary interference;
(e) transmission covering the whole country and politically balanced
programmes .
From the EU Observers preliminary report – delivered
at a press conference on Monday the 19th, 2012.
The public broadcaster Sierra Leone
Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) gave access to all political parties on radio
and to nine political parties on television. Contestants were granted two hours
of free airtime to present their political proposals on the public TV channel
during the campaign period – although only PMDC, UDM, SLPP, RUFP and PDP made
use of it. SLBC national and regional radio stations also offered free airtime
to political parties and local candidates to address their messages to voters. Nevertheless, in key areas like news
bulletins and election related programmes SLBC showed significant quantitative
unbalance in favour of the ruling party. EU EOM’s media monitoring findings
show that, from 17 October to 15 November, SLBC TV allocated double the amount
of airtime (40 per cent) to APC than to SLPP (18 per cent). On top of that,
additional 21 per cent of airtime was devoted to APC led government activities,
meaning that 61 per cent of all coverage was devoted to the governing party.
On SLBC radio the unbalance was slightly lower, with APC receiving 40.5 per
cent of total airtime on news and programmes and SLPP being afforded 23 per
cent of the coverage. None of
the remaining seven parties received more than 8.5 per cent of coverage either
on SLBC Radio or on SLBC TV. The tone of the coverage on SLBC Radio was
generally neutral, while 23 and 27.5 per cent of news on SLBC TV related to APC
and the government, respectively, were presented in positive tone.
PRESS RELEASE
THE SIERRA LEONE BROADCASTING CORPORATION HAS DESCRIBED THE EUROPEAN UNION OBSERVATION MISSION’S STATEMENT ON SLBC’S COVERAGE OF POLITICAL PARTIES AS MISLEADING AND CONTRADICTORY.
THE SIERRA LEONE BROADCASTING CORPORATION HAS DESCRIBED THE EUROPEAN UNION OBSERVATION MISSION’S STATEMENT ON SLBC’S COVERAGE OF POLITICAL PARTIES AS MISLEADING AND CONTRADICTORY.
Tuesday November 20, 2012
After careful reading of the
European Union Observation Mission Preliminary Statement, the Sierra Leone
Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has described the Mission’s statement on SLBC
granting 60% airtime to the APC and 18% airtime to the main opposition party as
misleading and contradictory. According to the EU Observation Mission, while the SLPP was allocated
only 18% of airtime, the SLBC allocated 40% airtime to the APC and an
additional 20% to the APC Government.
After a closed door meeting between the head of the EU Observation Mission and the SLBC Director-General at the Broadcasting House yesterday, the Director-General noted that it became apparent that the EU team had not digested the SLBC Act 2009 that gave mandate to the SLBC to always cover activities of parliament, the judiciary and the executive irrespective of whatever other activity is occurring.
“Were the EU Observation Team could argue that they had read the SLBC Act 2009,” the Director-General added, “the corporation then views the inclusion of SLBC’s coverage of government activities into their elections preliminary statement as misleading and contradictory, capable to undermine the valuable strides the corporation has made to represent the opinion of all categories of Sierra Leoneans. Was the EU Observation Mission expecting the SLBC to place a ban on the coverage of the activities of the executive, parliament and the judiciary?” The Director-General questioned.
The SLBC is also concerned that the Head of the EU Observation Mission only relied on the mission’s viewing of SLBC television to draw their conclusions. SLBC also noted that the EU Preliminary Statement did not show any enthusiasm in SLBC’s radio coverage of political parties, only once mentioning that “On SLBC Radio the unbalance was slightly lower, with APC receiving 40.5% of the total airtime on news and programmes and SLPP being afforded 23% of the coverage. None of the remaining parties received 8.5% of coverage either on radio or on SLBC TV.” The SLBC strongly challenges this assertion.
The SLBC is calling on the leadership of the EU Observation Mission to share its data and analyses with the corporation, as much as the corporation is willing to share its own data and analyses with the EU Observation Mission. As the Head of the EU Observation Mission stated in an SLBC interview after the Mission’s press conference, that the statement should be able to provide learning experience for the SLBC, the Director-General said SLBC will appreciate any documentation leading to the methodological bases that informed the EU Observation Mission’s findings.
Please find an SLBC block analyses of political parties’ appearances on the Sierra Leone Broadcasting cooperation Radio and Television medium, in/and programmes from 6th June to 15th November 2012. (A detailed Report to follow)
After a closed door meeting between the head of the EU Observation Mission and the SLBC Director-General at the Broadcasting House yesterday, the Director-General noted that it became apparent that the EU team had not digested the SLBC Act 2009 that gave mandate to the SLBC to always cover activities of parliament, the judiciary and the executive irrespective of whatever other activity is occurring.
“Were the EU Observation Team could argue that they had read the SLBC Act 2009,” the Director-General added, “the corporation then views the inclusion of SLBC’s coverage of government activities into their elections preliminary statement as misleading and contradictory, capable to undermine the valuable strides the corporation has made to represent the opinion of all categories of Sierra Leoneans. Was the EU Observation Mission expecting the SLBC to place a ban on the coverage of the activities of the executive, parliament and the judiciary?” The Director-General questioned.
The SLBC is also concerned that the Head of the EU Observation Mission only relied on the mission’s viewing of SLBC television to draw their conclusions. SLBC also noted that the EU Preliminary Statement did not show any enthusiasm in SLBC’s radio coverage of political parties, only once mentioning that “On SLBC Radio the unbalance was slightly lower, with APC receiving 40.5% of the total airtime on news and programmes and SLPP being afforded 23% of the coverage. None of the remaining parties received 8.5% of coverage either on radio or on SLBC TV.” The SLBC strongly challenges this assertion.
The SLBC is calling on the leadership of the EU Observation Mission to share its data and analyses with the corporation, as much as the corporation is willing to share its own data and analyses with the EU Observation Mission. As the Head of the EU Observation Mission stated in an SLBC interview after the Mission’s press conference, that the statement should be able to provide learning experience for the SLBC, the Director-General said SLBC will appreciate any documentation leading to the methodological bases that informed the EU Observation Mission’s findings.
Please find an SLBC block analyses of political parties’ appearances on the Sierra Leone Broadcasting cooperation Radio and Television medium, in/and programmes from 6th June to 15th November 2012. (A detailed Report to follow)
Sierra Leone Broadcasting
Corporation Formed by an Act of Parliament 2009
Broadcasting House, Jomo Kenyatta Road
Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Tel: 232-76-410-623
elvishallowell@hotmail.com
www.slbc.sl
Broadcasting House, Jomo Kenyatta Road
Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Tel: 232-76-410-623
elvishallowell@hotmail.com
www.slbc.sl
Monday, November 19, 2012
From presser to presser...
Okay… After the EU, AU, Carter Center press
conferences, I attended the SLPP (main opposition party) press conference in
their “unity room” on the top floor of their building.
The National Secretary General, Sulaiman
Banja Tejan-Sie, gave out a written statement. It starts (don’t worry, I won’t
repeat the entire thing) “The SLPP is dismayed at the extent of the
irregularities which have come to light in the conduct and supervision of the
2012 elections by NEC.”
It goes on… “… a catalogue of malpractices
and the apparent unwillingness of NEC to address them has lead to the
heightening of our concerns as far as the credibility and legitimacy of the
entire election process.”
It ends with… “The SLPP would also like to
make it abundantly clear that unless these concerns are addressed
satisfactorily it would be constrained not to accept the final election
result.”
Now, what does this mean? Well, it seems
the SLPP are assembling evidence/building a case to show that these elections
were not credible nor legitimate… and they’ll probably not accept the results.
So, the obvious question is… “okay, what will you do then?”
When I asked, the quick response was…
“We’re complaining to NEC, the international community and foreign media. Then,
we will launch a legal action through the courts.” I heard nothing about
“taking to the streets” or “demonstrating or protesting”, which is a good sign.
But when I left the building… the groups of young people were eagerly awaiting
news… They said they’d protest and take to the streets if the party loses and
doesn’t accept the decision of NEC. A clear disconnect between the SLPP
executive and the supporters.
Among the long list of “instances of voter
fraud, malpractice and irregularities” supplied by the SLPP were: missing voter
lists in some polling stations. Interference by NEC officials in voter’s
choices. Ballot stuffing. Intimidation by NEC and security forces. NEC
officials directing voters to vote for Ernest by using a code word. (apparently
they have phone video of one official doing this). Etc. etc.
I’m sure the APC is compiling a similar
list if the announced results indicate their loss… But, SLPP is first off the
mark (after the voting) to “warn” of not accepting the results.
BTW, both parties stated (prior to voting)
that they would not accept the results if the results were deemed “not free,
fair or transparent” or not legitimate… meaning, if they lost.
I saw a plenty of ballots on Saturday… and
they were all deposited in ballot boxes. But today I saw one that “missed the
box”… I’ll explain in a minute. S/
Now the fun begins...
I spent the morning attending press conferences for the European Union Observer mission, the African Union Observers and the Carter Center. The most interesting was the European Union... headed by a guy named Richard Howitt.
Check out www.eueom.eu/sierraleone2012 for more info. There's a link to the full PDF report on that website.
Essentially, the EU have said that the elections in Sierra Leone have been largely peaceful and well-conducted. They've said how impressed they were with the high voter turnout... and the orderliness of the lines and voting process.
The main issues identified by the EU observer team were the very severe lack of women candidates, some voting irregularities, and the "unequal playing field" of the process. They also observed money changing hands... buying of votes, essentially. They saw the inappropriate use of government money by the ruling party. They saw the supposedly neutral Paramount Chiefs actively campaigning for the ruling party... and on and on.
For the most part... the EU report was good... But, when I spoke to Mr. Howitt after the presser, he told me directly that they were not going to play diplomacy here... They were going to tell the truth whether parties or governments agreed or not. He mentioned several other things that were of concern including the fact that there are no laws (or very broad guidelines) on election financing, campaign spending, etc. This is a glaring hole in the "free, fair and transparent" criteria.
None of the observers would categorically state that they thought the elections were a "pass" or "fail", for obvious reasons. The counting and tabulating is ongoing... and we're all eagerly awaiting word from the National Electoral Commission... who is the only authorized body to release official results.
More later... After the presser, I visited the SLPP office to attend their press conference. Hmmm, are you filled with suspense? I'll write that up shortly. S/
Check out www.eueom.eu/sierraleone2012 for more info. There's a link to the full PDF report on that website.
Essentially, the EU have said that the elections in Sierra Leone have been largely peaceful and well-conducted. They've said how impressed they were with the high voter turnout... and the orderliness of the lines and voting process.
The main issues identified by the EU observer team were the very severe lack of women candidates, some voting irregularities, and the "unequal playing field" of the process. They also observed money changing hands... buying of votes, essentially. They saw the inappropriate use of government money by the ruling party. They saw the supposedly neutral Paramount Chiefs actively campaigning for the ruling party... and on and on.
For the most part... the EU report was good... But, when I spoke to Mr. Howitt after the presser, he told me directly that they were not going to play diplomacy here... They were going to tell the truth whether parties or governments agreed or not. He mentioned several other things that were of concern including the fact that there are no laws (or very broad guidelines) on election financing, campaign spending, etc. This is a glaring hole in the "free, fair and transparent" criteria.
None of the observers would categorically state that they thought the elections were a "pass" or "fail", for obvious reasons. The counting and tabulating is ongoing... and we're all eagerly awaiting word from the National Electoral Commission... who is the only authorized body to release official results.
More later... After the presser, I visited the SLPP office to attend their press conference. Hmmm, are you filled with suspense? I'll write that up shortly. S/
SLPP press statement...
This is a press statement released by the main opposition party, SLPP, late on Sunday night... following the elections.
Evidence of blatant ballot stuffing in several centers, especially in the Northern Region, Kono and Freetown
Monday 19 November 2012
By Brig Gen (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio
Sunday 18th November, 2012: On behalf of myself and the National
Executive of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), I wish to express
my deepest gratitude and thanks to the entire membership of the Party
for the tireless and unrelenting effort during this electoral process.
Provisional Results of the election started coming in since last
night and have been broadcast by the Independent Radio Network (IRN).
The results reported by the IRN came on from various polling stations
across the country and so far they do not reflect any pattern that may
give an indication of who is winning or losing. I wish to emphasise, as
the IRN itself has repeatedly said, that the results are purely
provisional.
Although the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has the official mandate to announce the final results, the Party has set up its own mechanisms to monitor, collate and eventually report the results of the elections to its membership in the Chairman of the national Electoral Commission (NEC), Madam Christian (sic) Thorpe in her latest statement to the Press, admitted the disruption of polling in some parts of the Western Area. She mentioned only three wards in Freetown, namely wards 362,292 and 394. Her statement also mentioned the disruption of polling due to election malpractices.
In addition to the discrepancies identified by the NEC Chair and the National Elections watch (NEW), it has come to the attentions of the Party that the factors that have affected the polling in Freetown are more widespread and a lot more serious than has been reported by the NEC.
We have ample evidence and vital information to substantiate a number of incidents bothering on irregularities that violate the Electoral Code and which has the potential to affect the final outcome of these elections.
There are evidence of blatant ballot stuffing in several centers, especially in the Northern Region, Kono and Freetown with full complicity of NEC staff in most of these cases, at the time of counting the ballots, security officers at the polling station drove our agents and prevented them from observing the process and collating results. Evidently, most of the results announced do not reflect actual votes cast. There are videos of the NEC staff ensuring that voters cast their ballots for Ernest Koroma. This act was also widespread in the Northern Province.
Meanwhile, I wish to appeal to all our supporters to remain calm and to have the confidence in the Party Executive, its machinery and my humble self that we will leave no stone unturned, I repeat no one steals the mandate of our voters or alter the results to our disadvantage.
As things stand now, we are very confident of winning the elections.
Finally, to members of the International Community who have been co-sponsors of these elections, we express our profound appreciation for your continuing support.
We trust that you will continue to be supportive of our efforts as a country to ensure that the will of the people prevail and the outcome of the poll reflect that will.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio
SLPP 2012 Presidential Candidate
Monday 19 November 2012
By Brig Gen (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio
Although the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has the official mandate to announce the final results, the Party has set up its own mechanisms to monitor, collate and eventually report the results of the elections to its membership in the Chairman of the national Electoral Commission (NEC), Madam Christian (sic) Thorpe in her latest statement to the Press, admitted the disruption of polling in some parts of the Western Area. She mentioned only three wards in Freetown, namely wards 362,292 and 394. Her statement also mentioned the disruption of polling due to election malpractices.
In addition to the discrepancies identified by the NEC Chair and the National Elections watch (NEW), it has come to the attentions of the Party that the factors that have affected the polling in Freetown are more widespread and a lot more serious than has been reported by the NEC.
We have ample evidence and vital information to substantiate a number of incidents bothering on irregularities that violate the Electoral Code and which has the potential to affect the final outcome of these elections.
There are evidence of blatant ballot stuffing in several centers, especially in the Northern Region, Kono and Freetown with full complicity of NEC staff in most of these cases, at the time of counting the ballots, security officers at the polling station drove our agents and prevented them from observing the process and collating results. Evidently, most of the results announced do not reflect actual votes cast. There are videos of the NEC staff ensuring that voters cast their ballots for Ernest Koroma. This act was also widespread in the Northern Province.
Meanwhile, I wish to appeal to all our supporters to remain calm and to have the confidence in the Party Executive, its machinery and my humble self that we will leave no stone unturned, I repeat no one steals the mandate of our voters or alter the results to our disadvantage.
As things stand now, we are very confident of winning the elections.
Finally, to members of the International Community who have been co-sponsors of these elections, we express our profound appreciation for your continuing support.
We trust that you will continue to be supportive of our efforts as a country to ensure that the will of the people prevail and the outcome of the poll reflect that will.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio
SLPP 2012 Presidential Candidate
Sunday, November 18, 2012
No results... but rumours...
This post appeared on Facebook at 5:30 PM on Sunday... a day after the elections... and is totally false. The author is a well-known "troublemaker" who calls herself a journalist and might just throw this country back into violence. This sort of stuff is now all over the FB groups from Sierra Leone. Sigh. It's disgusting what some people will do to this country.
No results have been officially announced...
No results have been officially announced...
From 2007 elections in Salone
This is an article clipped from Awoko newspaper 2007 referencing the elections held then... It's scary how history keeps repeating itself.
Unless the opposition denounces violence… Berewa to boycott SLAJ debate
Vice President Solomon Berewa may likely boycott the Sierra Leone
Association of Journalists (SLAJ) presidential debate slated for
Tuesday if the APC and PMDC refuse to eschew violence.
This was contained in a press release issued by the SLPP secretariat yesterday bearing the signature of its publicity scribe Victor Reider.
The reason for the boycott, according to the scribe, “is based on the demand that both opposition leaders of the APC Ernest Bai Koroma and PMDC’s Charles Margai denounce violence.
According to the release, the Sierra Leone People’s Party categorically condemned the unwarranted spates of violence that had characterized the past fortnight after the declaration of the official start of campaigning.
It noted further that, “as the ruling party and the government that have brought an end to the 11 years war, the SLPP abhors violence in all its manifestations before, during and after the August 11 polls.”
It also noted that, “the SLPP leadership is convinced that only by consolidating the hard won peace can the nation embark on any development”.
However, it stated that, “it is disheartening to observe that some leaders of the opposition have taken upon themselves to attempt to render the state ungovernable by their very utterances.”
The SLPP national publicity secretary cited an interview granted by the APC presidential flagbearer, Ernest Koroma, to the Peep magazine in which he reportedly said the “SLPP has no reason to win this election. SLPP has rigged the elections.
There is no way we will ever accept an SLPP victory. We will protest; and we intend to protest violently. Nothing will stop us from protesting violently except an announcement that the APC has won the elections.”
The release stressed that Charles Margai “…has equally intimated in an interview on UN Radio recently that he is capable of marshaling and leading 20,000 troops to Kailahun following the fracas which took place in that part of the country.”
Considering these above utterances from opposition leaders, the release emphasized, “the SLPP has concluded that unless Messrs Koroma and Margai denounce violence in all it forms and manifestations, Mr Solomon Berewa, the leader and presidential candidate of the SLPP will not sit in any presidential debate with them.”
This was contained in a press release issued by the SLPP secretariat yesterday bearing the signature of its publicity scribe Victor Reider.
The reason for the boycott, according to the scribe, “is based on the demand that both opposition leaders of the APC Ernest Bai Koroma and PMDC’s Charles Margai denounce violence.
According to the release, the Sierra Leone People’s Party categorically condemned the unwarranted spates of violence that had characterized the past fortnight after the declaration of the official start of campaigning.
It noted further that, “as the ruling party and the government that have brought an end to the 11 years war, the SLPP abhors violence in all its manifestations before, during and after the August 11 polls.”
It also noted that, “the SLPP leadership is convinced that only by consolidating the hard won peace can the nation embark on any development”.
However, it stated that, “it is disheartening to observe that some leaders of the opposition have taken upon themselves to attempt to render the state ungovernable by their very utterances.”
The SLPP national publicity secretary cited an interview granted by the APC presidential flagbearer, Ernest Koroma, to the Peep magazine in which he reportedly said the “SLPP has no reason to win this election. SLPP has rigged the elections.
There is no way we will ever accept an SLPP victory. We will protest; and we intend to protest violently. Nothing will stop us from protesting violently except an announcement that the APC has won the elections.”
The release stressed that Charles Margai “…has equally intimated in an interview on UN Radio recently that he is capable of marshaling and leading 20,000 troops to Kailahun following the fracas which took place in that part of the country.”
Considering these above utterances from opposition leaders, the release emphasized, “the SLPP has concluded that unless Messrs Koroma and Margai denounce violence in all it forms and manifestations, Mr Solomon Berewa, the leader and presidential candidate of the SLPP will not sit in any presidential debate with them.”
Saturday, November 17, 2012
It's 8:20 pm on election day in Sierra Leone... and by all reasonable accounts things went very, very well... Very little violence. Few problems. Lots of people.
NEC has announced several issues such as campaign posters too close to the polling stations and polls not opening on time... There were some reports of overcrowding and transportation problems... but honestly... No big deal.
I have to say, I was reasonably impressed. Of course, let's just wait and see what happens now... Vote counting has begun but official results won't be announced for several days.
We'll wait... at 1:00 pm, voter turnout was at around 65%. Wow... no voter apathy here. Anticipating up to 85% turnout.
More later,
S/
NEC has announced several issues such as campaign posters too close to the polling stations and polls not opening on time... There were some reports of overcrowding and transportation problems... but honestly... No big deal.
I have to say, I was reasonably impressed. Of course, let's just wait and see what happens now... Vote counting has begun but official results won't be announced for several days.
We'll wait... at 1:00 pm, voter turnout was at around 65%. Wow... no voter apathy here. Anticipating up to 85% turnout.
More later,
S/
Some FB posts from election day...
Back home now
listening to radio... No, not SLBC but Star... I'm looking for IRN on the
dial... Someone should remind all Salone announcers that these are PROVISIONAL
results... and NOT the final results. This announcer hasn't specified the
PROVISIONAL nature of these numbers she's reading... Oh brother... Wait, WAIT
for NEC's final results to pop the champagne or place the conciliatory call.
Please, all announcers should ALWAYS state that these are PROVISIONAL results.
Sigh... this is the kind of stupidity that drives me crazy. S/
From Lumley to
Puti... 10 polling stations visited... by 2:00 pm... and I'm so pleased to
report all seemed to be proceeding with efficiency and order. The general sense
amongst those I spoke to was very positive and optimistic. The police and
military along the routes have been pleasant, efficient and helpful. Way to go,
Sierra Leone!! So far so good...
Getting around
today... most people are walking from their homes to the polling stations and
back home. Some are waiting for the privately sponsored government buses... and
there have been some issues around not having enough buses... but for the most
part the city is moving, voting and strolling home proudly displaying their
"inked" finger. S/
I spoke to hundreds
of people today - so far - and one of the most interesting comments came from a
young man... a strapping, tall man in a sleeveless vest, side-tilted blue
baseball cap and low-slung jeans. I asked to see his inked finger to which he
said, "we're waiting a little while before getting into line to let the
older people, women, disabled and others vote first." I smiled broadly and
replied, "how gentlemanly of you... Thank you. Good for you." One of
the remarkable experiences of this year's elections. S/
It's remarkable...
Today is about the people of Sierra Leone... No colours, no politicians, no
political parties... just the voice of the people. One older, partially-blind
gentleman, KC Wilson who voted in Brookfields, said, "the last six months
have been rubbish. Today is the day. Today is our day." Mr. Wilson has voted
in six prior elections in Salone. Remarkable. S/
I dropped into the Women's Situation Room at the Bintumani Hotel around
9am. One of the organizers, Evette, told me of a few minor incidents... polls
not opening in time, etc. but they were up and running... and monitoring the
situation around the country... focused, of course, on gender-based issues. Later in
the morning, I followed up on a story of a man who beat his wife for voting for
a different party. The husband apparently seized his wife's voter ID card and
wouldn't let her vote. After police intervention, the woman cast her vote. She
later went to the King Harmon Hospital to treat her bruises and small cuts. The
Women's Situation Room can be reached by dialing 711. They will present their
report at a press conference on Monday at 10 at Shangri-La Restaurant. S/
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Campaign spending...
About a year ago, I recall a discussion I had with a renowned/seasoned journalist and editor here in Freetown. Kelvin Lewis is the Managing Director/Editor of Awoko newspaper (www.awoko.org) and a man I have a great deal of time and respect for. He's definitely "one of the good ones" around Sierra Leone... and I'm very honoured and pleased to call him a good friend.
I recall this particular discussion, out of the many chats we've had, because the issue of "how difficult it is in Sierra Leone" came up. We talked about poverty. We talked about the many things he and I do for some families around Freetown. We talked about the lack of money filtering down to the people of Sierra Leone, despite the millions and millions of dollars in international aid and international investment coming into the country.
He said something I'll always remember... He said, "Stephen, just wait a little while for the election campaigning to swing into full speed. The money will flow freely."
Mr. Lewis was absolutely right... There seems to be a ton of money flowing from all quarters... but not necessarily to the people who need it most.
The two main political parties have spent untold millions on campaign trinkets, whistles, posters, vehicles, scarves, hats, banners, parades, t-shirts, buying votes, helmets for motorcycle taxi riders, alcohol, music production and sound system rentals, etc. etc. I know at least three people who've received thousands of dollars to "campaign" for their party. I know politicians who've been "bought over" to one party or the other. I know media folks/outlets who've been paid by politicians. I know NGO groups who've received thousands of dollars to do "voter education" or "election sensitization". I know of well-funded projects that have been implemented that've had absolutely no impact on voters or the people of Salone (but workers, trainers, facilitators, etc. have benefited greatly).
It's nothing like what's spent in the US but still a lot of money, relatively speaking.
However, I also know families who go without food for days. I know school children who can't pay their school fees. I know grandmothers who struggle to meet the needs of up to 13 grandchildren. I know people who go without medication when they're sick. I know some journalists who can't afford taxi fare to get to stories. I know people who live without toilets or electricity. I know men who are unemployed and desperate.
The money is flowing... but not down to the people who probably need it the most.
BTW, there are no election spending, campaign financing laws here in Sierra Leone... therefore, no information is available. No accounting is done. No reporting on spending is possible. And ultimately, the party that spends the most will probably carry the vote come November 17th.
Still waiting to see which political party that might be... S/
I recall this particular discussion, out of the many chats we've had, because the issue of "how difficult it is in Sierra Leone" came up. We talked about poverty. We talked about the many things he and I do for some families around Freetown. We talked about the lack of money filtering down to the people of Sierra Leone, despite the millions and millions of dollars in international aid and international investment coming into the country.
He said something I'll always remember... He said, "Stephen, just wait a little while for the election campaigning to swing into full speed. The money will flow freely."
Mr. Lewis was absolutely right... There seems to be a ton of money flowing from all quarters... but not necessarily to the people who need it most.
The two main political parties have spent untold millions on campaign trinkets, whistles, posters, vehicles, scarves, hats, banners, parades, t-shirts, buying votes, helmets for motorcycle taxi riders, alcohol, music production and sound system rentals, etc. etc. I know at least three people who've received thousands of dollars to "campaign" for their party. I know politicians who've been "bought over" to one party or the other. I know media folks/outlets who've been paid by politicians. I know NGO groups who've received thousands of dollars to do "voter education" or "election sensitization". I know of well-funded projects that have been implemented that've had absolutely no impact on voters or the people of Salone (but workers, trainers, facilitators, etc. have benefited greatly).
It's nothing like what's spent in the US but still a lot of money, relatively speaking.
However, I also know families who go without food for days. I know school children who can't pay their school fees. I know grandmothers who struggle to meet the needs of up to 13 grandchildren. I know people who go without medication when they're sick. I know some journalists who can't afford taxi fare to get to stories. I know people who live without toilets or electricity. I know men who are unemployed and desperate.
The money is flowing... but not down to the people who probably need it the most.
BTW, there are no election spending, campaign financing laws here in Sierra Leone... therefore, no information is available. No accounting is done. No reporting on spending is possible. And ultimately, the party that spends the most will probably carry the vote come November 17th.
Still waiting to see which political party that might be... S/
The world is watching...
Here's an interesting article on the present situation in Sierra Leone... three days to go before the elections. The campaign has intensified and parties and politicos are now appearing rather desperate. So much going on...
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
More media on the elections...
Here's an interesting article...
http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96766/SIERRA-LEONE-Elections-sampling-opinions-in-the-diamond-rich-east
Still watching and waiting... The European Union observers are now dispatched all over the country. The African Union observers are around. The National Election Watch (civil society) are all over... Union of Photographers is photographing and monitoring the situation around the country. The Carter Center folks are around...
The world is watching. There was even something on CTV about Sierra Leone. I can't watch this because of my internet connection... but it was forwarded to me. Take a gander if you can.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=805044
SLPP, the country's main opposition party, will hold its final Freetown rally on Thursday. It promises to be a "big one". I'm sure I'll be "seeing green" by then. I'll post some pics on Thursday.
S/
http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96766/SIERRA-LEONE-Elections-sampling-opinions-in-the-diamond-rich-east
Still watching and waiting... The European Union observers are now dispatched all over the country. The African Union observers are around. The National Election Watch (civil society) are all over... Union of Photographers is photographing and monitoring the situation around the country. The Carter Center folks are around...
The world is watching. There was even something on CTV about Sierra Leone. I can't watch this because of my internet connection... but it was forwarded to me. Take a gander if you can.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=805044
SLPP, the country's main opposition party, will hold its final Freetown rally on Thursday. It promises to be a "big one". I'm sure I'll be "seeing green" by then. I'll post some pics on Thursday.
S/
Monday, November 12, 2012
A tech-glitch...
Oops... Sorry about that. A definite glitch in the automated processes at this end. My apologies for flooding your inbox with notes from Sierra Leone. While I was trying this "new thing" I somehow managed to publish the latest blog six times. Yikes.
I'm about to try to remedy this... but I beg your patience. Everything I do online takes hours and hours... and obviously I've made some mistakes in the settings (or whatever).
Please accept my apologies... and note that I'm working on fixing things at my end.
Yours, in "techno-illiteracy", from Freetown,
S/
I'm about to try to remedy this... but I beg your patience. Everything I do online takes hours and hours... and obviously I've made some mistakes in the settings (or whatever).
Please accept my apologies... and note that I'm working on fixing things at my end.
Yours, in "techno-illiteracy", from Freetown,
S/
Sunday, November 11, 2012
APC rallies...
Okay...
I'm going to try something... I'm going to try sending automatic e-mail
notifications when this blog is updated. I promise not to overwhelm anyone but
starting with this one you might/should receive notice that there's a new blog
posted here.
Your
name has been added because you are someone special in my life... but, I'm
totally open to removing your name from the automated list if your "inbox
overfloweth". Don't worry, I won't be offended. Smile. Let me know if
you'd like to be removed... and no problem.
Today,
as well as being Remembrance Day, is the final rally day in Freetown for the
All People's Congress Party. Political rallies are amazing here...
awe-inspiring... and somewhat silly, in many respects. A good friend who lives
here and reports on West Africa for the Financial Times likens these events to
"keggers" in the US. They're drunken parades, for the most part...
lots of dancing, loud music, drinking, smoking (gangi, as they say here), etc.
But, this form of political motivation is so, so important here in Sierra
Leone.
Today,
thousands of "red supporters" flooded the streets... Here's a picture
taken from my balcony at Congo Cross (5:00 PM). That's the current President,
standing in the sunroof, in the white hat tossing soccer balls to the frenzied
crowd. No, the President is not a footballer but football is a passion here...
it's clearly an attempt to appeal to the youthful followers. And, the battles
for those footballs would make the WWF frown.
Party
supporters are now coming back out of downtown back through Congo Cross...
Looks like I won't get much sleep again tonight.
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