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The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone David Reimer has in a interview with Radio Democracy 98.1 address issues centered on the United States’ apprehensions regarding the contested election outcomes.
1.Concerns Over Irregularities in Election Results
Addressing the discrepancies in the election results, Ambassador Reimer stated, “United States is concerned about irregularities in the result that were announced by ECSL, that include a big difference between the ECSL announced result and the parallel vote tabulations as well as inconsistencies that were analyzed by domestic and international observers.” These discrepancies, he stressed, have raised questions not just in the US but around the world about the integrity of the official outcome.
- Call for Independent Investigation:
In a bid to ensure transparency and restore faith in the electoral process, the Ambassador revealed, “We have asked for an investigation conducted by an outside independent body to look at the results.” This call for an impartial investigation underlines the commitment to upholding democratic values and fostering credible electoral practices.
- Dialogue for Progress and Stability:
Highlighting the importance of dialogue among all stakeholders, Ambassador Reimer emphasized, “We have called for dialogue between all parties to see how Sierra Leone can move on to the next election in 2028.”
Ambassador Reimer further underscored the importance of a vibrant democracy, stressing that opposition voices and multi-party participation are crucial components of a democratic system. He personally appealed to the All People’s Congress (APC) not to boycott governance, noting that diverse viewpoints are necessary for a functional democracy. This sentiment was conveyed through a tweet, which attracted both negative and positive reactions.
- President Bio’s Committee for Vote Review:
When discussing President Bio’s announcement of a review committee, the Ambassador voiced his reservations, stating, “It’s just not possible for someone who was a candidate in the election to then look at the process and be not biased.” This observation reflects the challenges of maintaining impartiality when directly involved in the electoral contest.
- Future Collaboration and Engagement:
Regarding the US stance towards the Sierra Leone government, Ambassador Reimer clarified, “What we have not done is congratulated him,” referring to President Bio’s victory. While affirming President Bio’s presidency, he added that the US would review its government-to-government programs, including the MCC compact grant. The Ambassador underscored the importance of a fair and transparent election process, which had been previously communicated to the Sierra Leone government. -
Economic Challenges and External Factors:
Commenting on the economic hardships faced by Sierra Leone, Ambassador Reimer attributed them to global influences, stating, “The past couple of years have been rough, and this is not the government’s fault but from external forces such as the Russia-Ukraine war, affecting the supply chain and also inflation.” This perspective contextualizes the economic struggles within the broader international landscape.
Ambassador Reimer’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding the 2023 Sierra Leone election. His remarks highlight the significance of transparent elections, impartial investigations, and open dialogue to ensure the nation’s progress and stability. As Sierra Leone charts its course forward, these perspectives will likely shape the trajectory of its political landscape and international collaborations.
Why are we making this man a legend in our country? Can our Ambassador do the same in his country? This is just a manifestation of disrespect towards our nation.
Sierra Leone is a scam
Because the man is saying the truth that’s why you comment against him, sierra Leone we don’t like true and we will always remain behind because of our repugnant behavior,, brave to you Mr David Reimer the US Ambassador much love for you
My dear, it is good you mentioned US. Uptil they have settled their disputed election against Trump. Where were they when Christiana Thorpe cancelled over 2400 polling stations in Kailahun? Ambassador go and clean back yard first before poking your nose on others.
There own election was not free and fair and that’s why trump never congratulated his opponent and that even led the the vandalisation of the white house immediately after their elections. So if the ambassador is talking about irregularities in other people’s election let him knows that the same thing happened in their elections in which his party candidate won at the end of the process. Our ambassador in their country never opposed the election by saying it not free because trump has refused to accept the result as he’s doing now. Him reviewing the MCC compact is just his business and not ours. When one door close and one will open. In 2012, counting was on going in tally centers when the then NEC commissioner instructed her regional commissioners to stop counting immediately and within few minutes she called the results and announced EBK winner with more than 56% and also made a statement by saying go police if you’re satisfied with her rulings and nothing came out of it. If the ambassador has ties with Samura in relation to the past elections is their business
He has no right in our country because they will never allow any sierra Leonesr to do such
I don’t really those white diplomate in our country or even Africa sa a whole, the problems lie in our so called leaders because we’re more depended on for almost all we undertake in term of what ever development. We are not doing anything single handedly for ourselves.
Tell me which African leader has ever criticize the governance system or any wrong doing of the EU or US in their countries? No one.
Now let’s take a look at the ECSL, since the election finished, to date they have not been able to pay the people they employed just because UNDP hasn’t given in their commitment. Do you think we’ll be able to stand against those we’re 90% depended on? No. They have to dictate to us, undermine our institutions and our own constitution as well as our own democracy.
Now take a look at this Ambassador’s remarks, which have the tendency to create chaos and even unrest.
Those people are pure anti-africans…Sure..
For me, if only APC can reason out well, we should think of the peace and came together as one for the betterment of Salone instead. All this can’t yield a good fruit, but backwardness for our very selves.
I hate West ideology towards Africans, but our leaders don’t care because of selfishness….
This man has no right against us is that his business
Let me start by asking u people that are opposing the commissioner
if it was you or your father will you accept a results u already kno it is not fear?
And besides that, who will set the lagacy now? Is it the Bio or Samura?
U and I are Citizens in Sierra Leone
if salone is sweet, everyone will enjoy.
Take a look at the past 5 years, no triuble with bio. U will not rule people just by that.
When we vote you in, u rule well and very peaceful. But when u put any criminal act my brothers and sisters, you will always have challenges.
And I’m telling you that God is watching everything. When bio was rolling with the peoples power, do you hear anything from any international citizen(s)?
The better you realize the truth, the better for all of us in sierra leone
bio must go, sierra leoneans did not vote him in June 24 election. If that is so let them satisfy us by giving the disaggregated data by polling station.
Why is it so hard if you’re transparent.
God punish you konneh
Love salon
The end justifies the means
Yeah that what you people have to say if any other political parties do the same as the Slpp
what you people have to say about it
Commissioner Konneh, you did well my brother. We were in sierra leone in 2012 when 488 polling stations were canceled by Christiana Thrope in the SLPP party’s stronghold to allow former president Koroma to do his second inning though it was bad the SLPP Party hold on to the peace and allow the APC regime to reign. Maada Bio won the election and he has gone further to form a government. That is all
What goes round, comes around. APC, you theft our votes in 2007 and 2012 with impunity. Now God almighty is showing you his might and power, you evil APC(cultism). Keep quiet and watch the process, our government will run without you. Maada na soja, no bull shaking