SAMURA KAMARA Bids Farewell To State House
John Kelly Marah
In a surprising turn of events, Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara’s adherence to the setting up of the Committee to Review the country’s Electoral System, in the absence of any word on the publication of the disaggregated data by polling station by the ECSL, has been seen as compromising his victory to the SLPP. Many see this action as a shocking betrayal of the trust of the electorate who voted for him, with the expectation that he would represent their interest and continue to protect their votes. They believe that what happened on June 27th is a clear violation of the democratic process and raises serious questions about the ability of the flagbearer to stand against all odds to protect their interests. Against this backdrop, many have lost faith in him.
Samura Kamara has caused a great deal of anger and resentment among the electorate, who feel betrayed and let down by him. The grassroots, one of the most populated group in the party, which composed of vibrant young men and women in the party and society has rejected any suggestion of MPs, Mayor and Councilors taking their seats, and were demanding for a re-run of the June 24th 2023 elections in the interest of strengthening and deepening democracy in Sierra Leone.
Samura Kamara’s acceptance of the conclusion of the dialogue, has contributed to him losing favor among party loyalists, as they see his acceptance of the dictates of the dialogue as accepting illegitimacy and betraying the principles of Democracy.
This became more pronounced with the Reports of both International and Local Observers denouncing the process of tabulation of the result as shrouded in secrecy and lacking transparency, as well as indication that no candidate was able to poll 55% of the votes in the first ballot, and a run-off should take place, contrary to the rather arbitrary declaration by the ECSL Boss of Julius Maada Bio as President.