Freetown, Sierra Leone – (African Boulevard News) – Samura Kamara, the opposition leader and presidential candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC) political party in Sierra Leone, called for the resignation of the country’s electoral commission just days ahead of the June 24th Presidential elections. Kamara accused the electoral commission of being biased towards the ruling party, which will affect the credibility of the election outcome.
Kamara’s call for the resignation of the electoral commission comes amidst growing concerns of the commission’s impartiality in the election process. Kamara claimed that the commission has lost its neutrality and has been working in favor of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). He also accused the commission of attempting to manipulate the election results.
“I am calling for the immediate resignation of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) members and their replacement with professionals who will work impartially and independently to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election,” Kamara said in a statement.
Kamara’s statements were echoed by his supporters, who took to the streets in several parts of the country to demand the resignation of the electoral commission. Meanwhile, the SLPP party has dismissed Kamara’s claims, insisting that the electoral process is transparent and that the commission is working in accordance with the country’s electoral laws.
The electoral commission rejected Kamara’s call, stating that they have no intention of stepping down before the election date. However, the commission said that it would investigate all claims of electoral fraud to ensure the credibility of the elections.
The call for the resignation of the electoral commission has raised concerns among human rights groups and civil society organizations, who fear that the situation could undermine the legitimacy of the elections and potentially lead to violence.
Sierra Leone has a history of electoral violence, with the 2007 presidential elections resulting in a civil war that claimed the lives of over 1,000 people. To prevent a repeat of such violence, the government has given the electoral commission the responsibility to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
In conclusion, the call for the resignation of the electoral commission by Kamara has raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming Presidential election in Sierra Leone. While the electoral commission has rejected the call, it has promised to investigate any claims of electoral fraud to ensure free and fair elections. The situation remains tense, and all parties are urged to work together to maintain peace and security in the country.
