According to the official spokesperson for the All People’s Congress (APC), the June 24, 2023, elections are “done and dusted.” However, Dr. Samura Kamara, the party’s main contender in that election, holds a different view. He believes that electoral justice is the only way to prevent future election malpractices and ensure fair democratic processes in Sierra Leone.
The controversy surrounding the election results stems from the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government’s reluctance to fully implement the recommendations from international bodies regarding electoral transparency. Many people argue that the June 24th election is not truly over until the final recommendations of the Bintumani Agreement are fully enforced.
Dr. Samura Kamara has made it clear that he will not resort to violence in his quest for electoral justice. Instead, he has vowed to fight using the power of his pen and paper, advocating for the rightful votes of the people. While the National Executive of the APC is already shifting focus toward the 2028 elections, some senior members and supporters remain firmly behind Kamara, believing he will ultimately win the battle for electoral justice.
Despite these internal divisions, the APC is preparing for its 2026 national convention, where it will elect new party officials and a flagbearer for the 2028 elections. Several politicians within the party are already campaigning for the position, convinced that the next general election will bring a change of government in Sierra Leone. Their optimism is fuelled by the country’s on-going economic crisis, characterized by high inflation, rising costs of living, corruption, and increased taxation. Many observers, including analysts from Sierra Leone’s former colonial rulers, had predicted that these challenges would lead to an APC victory in 2023.
However, this prediction proved to be a “white elephant” after the shocking announcement by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), which declared President Julius Maada Bio the winner with 60% of the vote. The final results left Dr. Samura Kamara with a significant margin to overcome, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
Now, as the APC prepares for its next chapter, the party faces a major crossroads. Those who support electoral justice argue that without resolving the alleged irregularities of the 2023 elections, the APC has little hope for 2028. On the other hand, those focused on future elections believe that moving forward with a new strategy and leadership will ensure victory.
The question remains: Will the APC rally behind Dr. Samura Kamara’s fight for electoral justice, or will they abandon him in pursuit of a fresh start for 2028? Only time will tell how this internal battle within the APC will shape the future of Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
