Sierra Leone Needs Renewed Commitment To Democratic Principles
By Mahmud Tim Kargbo
As we navigate the current political landscape, many of us are reflecting on the necessary reforms within our political system. There’s a widespread consensus on the urgent need for pro-democracy initiatives, tackling pressing issues like economic hardship, liberating our democracy from the grips of neocolonial influences, and establishing a national popular vote for Presidential Elections. Amidst these challenges, we hope for a political environment that, despite its flaws, can foster a brighter future for Sierra Leone.
However, my recent contemplations have prompted me to delve deeper into the underlying issues at play. While it’s evident that our political system is flawed, could this be indicative of a more extensive societal problem?
Historically, it has been noted that Sierra Leoneans possess a profound preoccupation with politics. This obsession is indeed justified, especially given the critical nature of our political situation this year. I recently co-authored a statement emphasizing that both our democratic values and the future of our nation are at stake. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that our political landscape has taken on an importance that often overshadows other vital aspects of society.
Our democracy is burdened by numerous challenges that jeopardize the social welfare of our citizens. This leads to the question: why has our political sphere become so heavily laden with pressing issues? I contend that this stems from fundamental societal flaws that leave significant matters unaddressed, resulting in these issues manifesting within our political discourse and overwhelming it.
When Politics Becomes Overbearing:
To illustrate this point, consider a hypothetical society characterized by:
- A disintegration of shared values and a lack of cohesion, leading to a societal disconnect.
- Deep-seated divisions that polarize friendships, beliefs, and social institutions, aligning them along political lines.
- A political arena dominated by contentious issues that deeply divide society, making electoral outcomes pivotal to personal and communal identities.
One might not need to stretch their imagination to see such a society reflected in our current reality in Sierra Leone.
Our society has relinquished too much to the political realm. In the absence of effective social norms and cultural values, various pressing issues have become politicized, often splitting along party lines between the SLPP and APC.
In such a fractured context, can democracy function effectively? The evidence suggests otherwise. Even with the recent tripartite efforts, the divisions that existed prior to and after the elections remain largely unresolved under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. While the election was undeniably significant, the polarization continues to persist beyond it.
Calling for Democratic Reform:
If this analysis holds true, it suggests critical actions that should be prioritized by the current administration. There is an urgent need for pro-democracy reforms to be pursued alongside initiatives aimed at healing societal fractures and fostering a culture of community well-being and national unity.
The tripartite demonstrated commendable recommendations to enhance voting rights, ensure electoral integrity, and strengthen our democracy. The success of these recommendations hinges on the Executive Branch’s commitment to enact them, a promise President Bio has made after the recommendations passed through Parliament.
Numerous scholars and writers have articulated the necessity for deeper democratic change, which must include the rights of both present and future citizens.
In previous writings, I have explored the vision for a transformed Sierra Leone, emphasizing how our cultural values can effectively manage resources for the common good. Had we adopted a robust mining ethic focused on national development, our debates would likely center on curbing neocolonial and imperialist contracts, rather than whether to act decisively against them. These reflections contribute to a broader project, where each of us have a vital role to play.
Alternatively, there exists a more authoritarian approach that could undermine our democracy and impose superficial “solutions” to societal rifts. This authoritarian tendency, often aligned with neocolonial and imperialist interests, poses a significant threat to the preservation of democratic norms, and must be actively resisted.
As we contemplate the intersection of culture, society, and politics in Sierra Leone, the need for collective action and a renewed commitment to democratic principles has never been more pressing.