Palo Conteh Urges For Introspection
In a candid and passionate address to members of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, Major Retired Alfred Palo Conteh has raised critical concerns about the current state of affairs within the party. Emphasizing the importance of democracy, transparency, and unity, Conteh highlighted the need for internal reforms to address key challenges and pave the way for the APC’s resurgence as a formidable political force in Sierra Leone.
Conteh lamented, in an exclusive interview, the lack of democratic principles observed during the last party convention held in Makeni. He expressed deep disappointment over the flawed election process that marred the event, noting that proper procedures were not followed at various levels of the party hierarchy. Calling for a return to true democratic values, Conteh stressed that the APC must distinguish itself by upholding fairness, accountability, and inclusivity in its internal processes.
“The APC has to be democratic. It should not emulate the practices of the ruling party,” Conteh asserted, underlining the importance of adherence to democratic norms in fostering party cohesion and solidarity. He emphasized that genuine democracy within the APC would lay the foundation for the much-needed unity among members, leading to a stronger collective voice and purpose.
Drawing attention to the toxic environment created by rampant allegations and accusations on social media platforms, Conteh condemned the culture of mudslinging and character assassination within the party. He cautioned against the spread of baseless rumors, such as claims of senior party officials meeting with the President under dubious circumstances, which only serve to sow discord and mistrust among members.
“We must put an end to this divisive behavior. Such actions run counter to the principles upheld by the so-called ‘Big Six’, which I was part of,” Conteh remarked. He called for a return to civility in political discourse, urging members to engage in constructive dialogue and debate, while refraining from resorting to personal attacks or derogatory language.
Conteh further stressed the importance of internal cohesion and solidarity within the APC, highlighting the detrimental effects of intra-party conflicts and divisions on the party’s electoral prospects. He implored members to prioritize party unity above individual ambitions, cautioning against the destructive practice of accusing each other of affiliations with rival political figures.
“In the army, after every operation, we conduct debriefings to assess our performance, identify areas for improvement, and learn from our experiences. The same approach should be applied in politics,” Conteh suggested. He underscored the need for a thorough post-election review within the party to identify shortcomings, successes, and lessons learned, with a view to strengthening the APC’s electoral strategy and organizational effectiveness.
Calling for a concerted effort to address internal challenges and foster a more cohesive and constructive party environment, Conteh urged APC members to set aside personal differences and work towards a common goal of returning the party to governance. He emphasized the significance of collective action and unity of purpose in overcoming obstacles and building a stronger, more resilient political entity.
As Major Retired Alfred Palo Conteh’s clarion call for democratic reforms and unity resonates within the ranks of the APC, the party faces a pivotal moment of introspection and renewal. The path to a brighter future for the APC lies in embracing democratic values, promoting open dialogue, and forging a shared vision of progress and prosperity for all Sierra Leoneans.