By Hasbin Shaw in Freetown, Sierra Leone
“I want to retire and leave a country that is peaceful and united,” says Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma. He made the statement when received the new President of ECOWAS Commission Jean-Claude Brou at the State House. President Koroma reiterated his commitment to peaceful transfer of power through a credible election.
President Koroma has completed his two terms of office and expected to turn over to the winner in the pending presidential run-off elections on March 27 between the candidates of his ruling All People’s Congress (APC) party and the main opposition Sierra Leone Peopl’s Party (SLPP).
President Koroma noted that the inconclusive March 7 general elections were generally peaceful, except for minor hitches, alleged malpractices and demand by the two political parties for an audit of the electoral system.
He promised to meet with the presidential flag bearer and leaders of the two political parties and also to make a national broadcast to help reduce tension and address concerns over hate speeches as well as tribal and ethno-regional sentiments, which followed the announcement of first round poll result and characterized campaigns ahead of the run-off election.
“Election is not a matter of life and death or winning at all cost,” he said. He added that at the end of the process, “Only one winner will emerge and we have to respect the will of the people and live with the result.”
The President noted that Sierra Leone had gone through “several traumas (civil war, Ebola pandemic and mudslides disaster), but also shown resilience.” He use the time to thank ECOWAS and the international community for their continued support to the country during its time of need.
President Brou, who was accompanied by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affiars, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behanzin, and the Director of Political Affairs Dr. Remi Ajibewa, commended president Koroma for his exemplary leadership which ensured the stability of the country over the past 10 years.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS commitment to continued support and to accompany Sierra Leone on the path for national development, and consolidation of stability and democracy.
President Brou was in Freetown for three-day working visit. He held talks with the leaders of the two main political parties, National Electoral Commission, civil society groups, the media and security forces to discuss the elections.
He visit comes in wake of violent clashes between the two main political parties and report of police intimidation of Electoral Commission staff.
