SIERRA LEONE GETS NEW PRESIDENT
Sep 19th, 2007 by admin
The newly elected president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bay Koroma was recently sworn in after a closely fought presidential race, ten years after the end of the civil war.
The elections which have been described as free and fair by the electoral commission had widespread support around the country. The president says his government will spare no effort in dealing with corruption.
Dr Christiania Thorpe, Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission in Sierra Leone described the elections as challenging but very well co-coordinated, as the will of the people prevailed.
ARE THE ELECTIONS A STEP TOWARDS STABILITY IN THE COUNTRY?
Yes, it’s a step towards the future and progress of the nation, because once we get over this and the new government takes up helm, then I think there will be ample opportunity for improved development and with development people will have their basic necessities met. In the long run, issues that hamper security will not arise.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THE NEW PRESIDENT TO FORM A GOVERNMENT?
I really do not know.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY PRAISED THE ELECTION SAYING OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES SHOULD TAKE A CUE FROM THIS, ANY RESPONSE?
Integrity was upheld during the electoral process and laid down procedure was strictly adhered to. We also had the co-operation of a lot of voters from the various communities that would otherwise have created havoc.
VIOLENCE WAS REPORTED AT SOME POINT, HOW DID THE COMMISSION DEAL WITH THIS?
Like I said we had the co-ordination and co-collaboration of the various key players in the communities and this played a crucial role in bringing the various communities together nevertheless, the commission looked at the nitty gritty of the elections and decided the representatives of the various communities had to come on board. As such the violence that occurred did not hamper the elections. We also had to have an open dialogue with the parties involved, all in a bid to keep the various sections calm. The civil societies, inter religious councils, associations of national security all worked together at various levels to pacify the people.
SIERRA LEONE HAS STRUGGLED AFTER THE TEN YEAR CIVIL WAR, WHAT’S AHEAD?
I think we are looking to a bright future because we are ready to put our hands on deck to work for the development of our country. It is a hopeful sign.
WHAT DO WE KNOW OR DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE NEW PRESIDENT?
He was the leader of the All Peoples Congress, the opposition party. A soft spoken man, he was in the Insurance business and as opposition leader in the Parliament was very good.