Dr. Kaifala Marah, a representative of the Tripartite Committee from the All-People’s Congress (APC) party, recently responded on Twitter to a letter from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) regarding the contentious 2023 presidential election results.
In his tweet on X formerly Twitter, Dr. Marah asserted, "ECSL can't bluff its way out! Sorry. You have to come clean & make clarifications on the 60% of presidential election results you announced on 26 June 2023. Your letter just reinforced our deadlock with Govt on the Tripartite Committee."
The ECSL's letter, addressed to Dr. Marah, was a
response to the APC’s request for clarification on the analysis of the 2023
presidential election results. The ECSL acknowledged receiving the letter but
noted that it did not comply with the administrative procedures outlined in the
terms of reference (ToR) for the cross-party committee tasked with reviewing
electoral systems and management bodies.
Furthermore, the ECSL referred Dr. Marah to
previous correspondence submitted by the commission on May 28, 2024, where
related issues were addressed. This response indicates that the ECSL believes
it has already provided the necessary information and that the APC's request
may be redundant or procedurally improper.
The dispute over the 2023 election results
remains a significant source of tension in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
The APC has been adamant in its stance that the election was marred by
irregularities, leading to a parliamentary boycott and a broader crisis of legitimacy
for President Julius Maada Bio's administration. The APC’s demand for
clarification on the election results is part of a broader effort to challenge
the official outcome and seek accountability from the ECSL.
The ECSL’s insistence on procedural compliance
and its reference to earlier correspondences suggest a reluctance to reopen
discussions on the election results. This impasse has contributed to the
ongoing political deadlock and has implications for the stability and
governance of Sierra Leone.
Contention between the APC and ECSL over the 2023 presidential election results exemplifies the deep-seated political divisions in Sierra Leone. Dr. Marah's public call for the ECSL to provide further clarification underscores the unresolved nature of the dispute and the challenges facing the Tripartite Committee in navigating this complex electoral issue.
