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/
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