In the Bleak Midwinter, what can Sierra Leone give?

"What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what can I give Him: Give my heart," comes from the famous Christmas carol, "In the Bleak Midwinter," a poem by Christina Rossetti.

It expresses the idea that the most valuable gift a person, regardless of their wealth or status, can offer is their devotion, love, and heart, which may not count for much in modern geopolitics. 

In 2024, Samura Kamara, a popular presidential candidate in Sierra Leone's June 2023 elections, shared a somber post on social media. His message is even more poignant in light of recent events. Read on

The triumph of democracy in Sierra Leone is crucial: can we draw parallels with international reactions to the aftermath of the Venezuelan presidential elections?

In examining the outcomes of the recent Venezuelan presidential election and the June 24, 2023, Sierra Leone presidential election, several notable parallels can be drawn.

Overall, both polls were characterized by intense scrutiny and significant public interest, with each country facing unique yet comparable challenges in its electoral processes.

Widespread allegations of electoral malpractice and irregularities, along with a lack of institutional accountability and transparency, including the announcement of results within unprecedented time frames, took center stage.

There were serious concerns and expressions of doubt among the public, international observers, and opposition parties about the fairness and integrity of the voting and counting processes, as well as the overall legitimacy of the electoral process.

Both nations also experienced considerable political polarization leading up to their respective elections. In Venezuela, the incumbent president faced a deeply divided electorate, with strong opposition factions challenging his leadership.

This mirrors the situation in Sierra Leone, where political tensions were high and the main opposition party, backed by a massive voter turnout, mounted a vigorous campaign for Vote for Change. In both countries, the opposition disputed the official results announced by the central electoral management institutions and also provided electoral results showing both opposition candidates with commanding leads over the incumbents.

Additionally, and equally paramount, the role of international observers was critical in both elections.

In Venezuela, international bodies such as the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM), the Carter Center, and the Organization of American States raised alarms about the conduct of the elections.

In Sierra Leone, international observers, including the European Union (EOM), the Carter Center, National Election Watch, the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS, monitored the elections and reported various irregularities and concerns regarding the electoral process.

As we witness these events unfold in the two countries, it becomes evident that democracy is under threat, not just from within but also from those who claim to underwrite, secure, and support it.

Sierra Leoneans and Venezuelans deserve better than this erosion of their democratic rights, and it is imperative that international actors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States, uphold the principles of transparency and accountability they so overtly and dedicatedly champion.

If left unresolved, this trend threatens to spread to many other countries, where incumbent presidents may have their electoral officials declare them winners through flawed, fabricated election results.

This practice undermines the very essence of democracy and disenfranchises large portions of the electorate, leading to severe loss of confidence in democracy, national instability, and uncertainty about development.

Democracy can only be saved if the international community takes a strong, immediate stand against these corrupt practices and reverses these undemocratic outcomes. The parallels between these two elections serve as a reminder of the universal challenges emerging democracies face in maintaining the trust and confidence of their electorates.

The international community must act decisively to end this dangerous trend and restore faith in the democratic process. Only through collective action can we safeguard democracy and ensure that the will of the people is truly represented and electoral justice is restored.