By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
‘’The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Sierra Leone and around the world. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a) (3) C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election,’’ said Antony Blinken, US secretary of state on Thursday in a statement.
According to the US secretary of state, he said, the visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people adding that the decision reflects the commitment of the United States to support the west African nations citizens ‘aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
President Julius Maada Bio won last June 24th controversial elections with 56. 17% whilst his main rival and challenger Samura Kamara trailing behind him with 41. 16% as announced by the country’s electoral commission.
‘’Bio Julius Maada Bio polled 1, 566,932 votes constituting 56.17%. Samura Kamara polled 1, 148, 262 votes representing 41. 16%. By the power vested in me I hereby declare Bio Julius Maada as the duly elected president,’’ Sierra Leone’s electoral commissioner Mohamed Konneh announced last June.
Last June 24th elections are the fifth the West African nation has conducted since its war ended in 2002. However, the country’s main opposition candidate Samura Kamara of the All peoples Congress (APC) party rejected the results referring to it as ‘’ not credible’’ citing irregularities and fraud in the June 24th elections in the country.
‘’Over the last few days, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), under the leadership of Mr Mohamed Konneh has demonstrated a total lack of transparency and accountability in the critical stages of our electoral process. Of particular significance, Konneh’s handling of the tallying process flouts even the barest minimum of international best practice, dangerously undermining the peace and stability of our beloved nation,’’ Kamara said in June.
However, the June 24th elections was challenged by local and international observer including the leading local election observatory Group, National Election Watch (NEW) that ‘’No candidate will reach the constitutional threshold of 55% of votes cast in the first round’’
Thursday’s announcement by the US secretary of state’s visa restriction according to him will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; intimidation of voters, election observers, or civil society organizations through threats or acts of physical violence; or the abuse or violation of related human rights in Sierra Leone.
No names where mentioned in the release from the state department , however it stated ‘’Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine the democratic process in Sierra Leone—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,’’ the US added.
The country’s main opposition APC party has since refused to take part in the governance of the country and has also refused to challenge the June 24th elections result in its court citing lack of independence of the judiciary in Sierra Leone.
‘’The APC declares its non-participation in any level of governance, including the
Legislature and local councils, as the results have already been tampered with to give the SLPP an unjust majority at all levels,’’ the party stated.
‘’We insist on a rerun of the elections within six months to be overseen by credible individuals and institutions who will ensure a fair and transparent process,’’ the main opposition party urged.
