In a recent press statement, United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, has provided advice to the opposition All People's Congress (APC) regarding their intended boycott of the Sierra Leone government led by the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
The APC had expressed their decision to abstain from participating in legislative and local governance activities, unless fresh presidential elections were conducted within a six-month timeframe. This statement, dated June 30, 2023, came shortly after President Julius Maada Bio was declared the winner of the June 2023 presidential elections in Sierra Leone and was inaugurated.
According to the APC's statement, they declared their non-participation in any level of governance, including the legislature and local councils, citing concerns that the election results had been manipulated to unfairly favor the SLPP. The party demanded a rerun of the election within six months, conducted by credible individuals and institutions to ensure a transparent and fair process.
The APC further expressed their rejection of the election results due to numerous irregularities and violations of electoral procedures. They specifically called for the resignation of Chief Electoral Commissioner Mohamed Konneh and other commissioners, accusing them of bias in the execution of their duties.
On July 12, 2023, elected members of Parliament from the APC failed to attend the opening and induction ceremony of the 6th Parliament.
Responding to this situation, Ambassador Reimer appealed to the APC, urging them not to boycott the government. He emphasized the significance of a robust opposition within a vibrant democracy and stressed the importance of ensuring that the voices of those who voted for the opposition are heard. In his message, he wrote, "I urge the APC not to boycott government. A vibrant democracy needs a strong opposition; those who voted for the opposition need to have their voices heard."