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/