Tripartite Committee Dispels Continued Election Rerun Rumors
By: Christian Conteh
Amid continued rumours of a potential rerun of Sierra Leone’s June 2023 election, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, government representative in the Tripartite Committee, has adequately quashed speculations and shed light on the constitutional framework governing electoral disputes.
Dr. Gaima a governance specialist invoked the provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No 6, emphasizing the stipulations of the Public Election Act as amended in 2022. According to this legislation, in the aftermath of a presidential election, any aggrieved party has a narrow window of seven working days to lodge an official complaint with the Supreme Court.
Drawing attention to the post-election landscape, Dr. Gaima highlighted President Bio’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly in his efforts to foster inclusivity despite challenges. Notably, he underscored the government’s proactive engagement with the main opposition party, the APC, following their boycott of the electoral process. Through dialogue facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, stakeholders convened to seek a resolution, culminating in the landmark Agreement for National Unity.
Central to this agreement was the establishment of a committee tasked with addressing grievances and fostering national cohesion. Dr. Gaima clarified that this committee, mandated by the president, operates within a defined timeline, set to dissolve on the 19th of June 2024.
Dispelling notions of electoral rerun, Dr. Gaima emphasized the Tripartite Committee’s role as a watchdog tasked with scrutinizing electoral management bodies. Their review spans the length of elections from 2007 to 2023, aimed at identifying shortcomings and successes in the electoral process.
