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An overwhelming majority of Sierra Leoneans want opposition parties to adopt a cooperative stance following an election defeat, prioritizing helping the government develop the country over holding it accountable through criticism, a new survey has found.
According to the latest Afrobarometer data, 80% of citizens agree that “opposition parties and politicians should accept defeat and cooperate with the government to help it develop the country.” This preference for collaboration over confrontation has grown significantly, rising from 54% in 2015 to 82% in 2022 and stabilizing at the current high level.
This public sentiment exists alongside a clear rejection of one-party rule (85%) and majority support (61%) for a multiparty system to ensure voter choice. However, it indicates a distinct vision for the opposition’s role—one focused on governance and national development rather than adversarial oversight.
“The message from the public is nuanced. They value political choice and competition, but they want the aftermath of elections to be about building, not battling,” said Dr. Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, co-Principal Investigator for Afrobarometer in Sierra Leone. “This likely reflects a deep-seated desire for stability and progress, informed by the country’s history of conflict.”
The survey results present a potential dilemma for opposition parties. The traditional model of providing checks and balances through vigorous scrutiny and criticism appears to be at odds with the public’s stated preference for post-election cooperation. This raises questions about how an opposition can effectively fulfill its democratic function of accountability while aligning with the electorate’s appetite for consensus.
Some analysts interpret this trend as a public reaction to the prolonged political tensions following the disputed 2023 election and the failed coup attempt in late 2023. The desire for cooperation may be a pragmatic response to perceived risks of instability.
“After a period of intense political friction, citizens may be expressing a fatigue with conflict and a prioritization of tangible development,” noted a local governance researcher. “They want their politicians to work on delivering results, regardless of who won.”
The findings suggest that political parties, both in government and opposition, may need to navigate a public mandate that values constructive engagement and national cohesion alongside democratic competition, particularly as the nation looks toward the 2028 elections.
Majority of the sierra Leonean we are not agreed the the result and for that maada Bio must hand over the power to the people choice which is Dr Samura kamara
President Kabba and SLPP handed power over to Ernest in 2007 peacefully,and Ernest ruled with no interruptions from the opposition SLPP. Since 2018, APC and Samurai have always been on the negative side of history, making insinuations not in the interest of national cohesion; this is very bad way of opposition in Sierra Leone.
APC needs to come to terms with itself and allow peace to reign and urge the government to provide the basics for its citizen. We are tired of this brouhaha, Sierra Leone first and keep your ego for you and your family.
APC and SLPP are occupied with Sierra Leoneans,why the acrimony?