By Ebi Kesiena
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio has called for dialogue and unity as an avenue to overcome deep divisions over the June 24 disputed elections.
Bio noted this at the official opening of the new National Assembly which was boycotted by the opposition government.
According to President Bio, the need for dialogue and negotiation resonates with utmost urgency, noting that all members must find common ground despite their political divides.
Admitting to logistical limitations during the general elections, Bio said a committee vice president and comprising members of civil society, development partners would be set up to review the vote.
“As parliamentarians, it is your duty to embody the spirit of statesmanship and to seek dialogue and common goals, even in the face of differing opinions.
“In this Parliament where no party has reached a two-thirds majority, the need for dialogue and negotiation resounds with the utmost urgency. We must find common ground across political divides,” said the president.
In June, Bio was re-elected for a second five-year term, winning 56% of the presidential vote, according to official results.
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has refused to participate in local or national government, with all but one MP boycotting parliament since it opened for business in July.
Observers and the opposition have requested that the electoral commission publish all polling unit results to boost transparency.
With its 81 seats, the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) only has a majority of 54% of the vote. Even with the expected support of the 14 traditional chiefs sitting in parliament, it would fall short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass certain types of legislation, such as constitutional amendments or electing the speaker of parliament. But it is not certain that members of the APC who have not taken the oath are taken into account in these cases.
However, President Bio assured that MPs should seek to put the interest of the nation first, transcend partisan lines and forge alliances beyond political affiliations.
