Free, Fair, Credible Elections AND Peaceful Elections June 24th in Sierra Leone are NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. Infact, They Go Together. A free, fair, and credible election is critical to maintaining peace, legitimacy, and national cohesion.
Making videos calling for peaceful elections must also be accompanied or preceded with calling for free, fair, and credible elections. ECSL has a moral duty to be an independent arbitrator of the elections and a Moral obligation to conduct transparent, fair and credible elections.
We the citizens of Sierra Leone have a moral duty to vote, though voting is not an obligation. We are, however, morally obliged to be peaceful and tolerant of one another during elections. Our moral obligation as citizens to hold our elected representatives accountable for development extends beyond the June 24 Elections. And that is the critical social contract between the citizen and the elected officials.
So while ECSL has a moral duty and obligation to conduct fair elections, our moral duty to vote as citizens, and obligations to maintain peace and hold our elected officials accountable are fundamental to a healthy democracy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alhaji Umar N’jai is a PhD Senior Scientist, Associate Professor, Panafrican Scholar, Founder & Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Inc., and Freelance writer ‘Roaming in the Mountains of Kabala Republic’. #Jata #Meejoh #ThePeoplesScientist
