CHOGM 2024 is being convened in Apia, Samoa, from 21 to 26 October 2024 where world leaders, including the illegal Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, are meeting. In this light, the Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement SLAM-Global is calling upon world leaders to recognise and act upon the urgent need for “electoral justice” in Sierra Leone. The full press statement reads thus – (Photo: Maada Bio is unfit to represent Sierra Leone in Samoa).

October 25, 2024 – Press Statement Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement: A Call for Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone

As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) convenes in Apia, Samoa, from 21 to 26 October 2024, the Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM) calls upon World Leaders to recognize and act upon the urgent need for “electoral justice” in Sierra Leone. The June 2023 elections in Sierra Leone were marred by evidences of fraud, violence, and a lack of transparencies, raising profound concerns about the country’s democratic future. The Global Community cannot afford to ignore what is happening in Sierra Leone.  The outcome of these elections, disputed by citizens and observers alike, poses a significant threat not only to the stability of Sierra Leone but also to the broader principles of democracy and human rights that bind the Commonwealth.

Why Sierra Leone Matters: A Test for Global Democracy

Sierra Leone is a small but significant nation that has fought hard to establish democratic governance after decades of conflict. Today, that democracy is in jeopardy. The contested elections and lack of electoral transparency have shaken public trust and sparked unrest, endangering the hard-won peace in Sierra Leone. As Moral Guarantors, the International Community, we continue to call upon you to support our struggle for “electoral justice” because it is a good fight to protect fundamental human rights, which is a core value for the International Community and civilized democracies. When justice is fair and effective, it upholds the dignity and rights of individuals and contributes to political and social stability.

When people are assured of “electoral justice”, they are less likely to resort to violence or unrest. This stability is beneficial not only for the country but also for global peace and security. A blatant stealing of a country’s election anywhere must not be glossed over but must be addressed in order not to embolden other dictators to follow such an ugly path. Sierra Leone’s current election crisis is not an isolated incident. Allowing electoral injustice to stand in Sierra Leone sends a dangerous message to the world – that democracy can 2 be subverted with impunity. It would embolden autocrats and dictators globally, threatening the principles of democracy, peace, and human rights. Global Responses: A Call for Similar Action U.S.

Response to Global Election Disputes:

The United States has consistently defended democratic norms in cases of contested elections. In Venezuela (2024), the U.S. government, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressed serious concerns over the legitimacy of the presidential election, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner amidst allegations of fraud. Similarly, in Brazil, the U.S. played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy during the 2022 elections, when President Lula’s victory faced efforts to undermine it. Even in Turkey (2023), the U.S. raised concerns about democratic backsliding and warned against manipulating electoral laws. These examples demonstrate the global importance of acting decisively to protect democracy, and Sierra Leone deserves no less.

Strong Examples of U.S. Intervention in Malawi and the Gambia:

In 2019, the U.S. intervened in Malawi after the country’s elections were annulled due to widespread irregularities. Sanctions were imposed, and under international pressure, the president stepped down and a rerun election was held. This led to a legitimate democratic outcome. In The Gambia (2016), after President Yahya Jammeh refused to concede defeat, the U.S, alongside International Partners, applied diplomatic pressure, leading to a peaceful transition of power. Similar actions MUST be taken in Sierra Leone to ensure the people’s voice is respected and the democratic process restored. (Photo: King Charles and PM Keir Starmer in Samoa).

The Imperative for Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone

1. Protecting Democratic Legitimacy:

The Commonwealth stands for democratic governance. Leaders must be chosen through free, fair, and transparent elections. The 2023 elections in Sierra Leone were tainted by allegations of fraud, and without credible evidence to prove a legitimate victory, no leader can claim to have the mandate of the people. A failure to act in Sierra Leone risks weakening democratic institutions not just in one country, but across the Commonwealth.

2. Preventing Violence and Social Unrest:

History shows that electoral disputes, if unresolved, can lead to violence. Sierra Leone has already seen unrest following the contested elections. Electoral justice is not only a matter of principle – it is a matter of peace. When justice is fair and effective, it upholds the dignity and rights of individuals and contributes to political and social stability.

3. Upholding the Rule of Law:

The foundation of any democracy is the rule of law. Sierra Leone’s current lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral 3 process undermines public trust and sets a dangerous precedent. Leaders who declare victory without proof create a volatile environment. CHOGM Leaders have a responsibility to demand a transparent audit of the results.

4. A Call to Action for CHOGM Leaders

As you gather in Samoa, SLAM urges you to take decisive action in support of “electoral justice” in Sierra Leone. The future of democracy in Sierra Leone – and indeed the integrity of democracy across the Commonwealth – depends on it. We call on CHOGM Leaders to:

• Demand Transparency: Call for an independent review of Sierra Leone’s 2023 election results to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
• Support Legal Remedies: Encourage Sierra Leone’s judiciary to fully investigate and resolve allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities.
• Promote Peaceful Dialogue: Facilitate discussions between political actors in Sierra Leone to foster a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
• Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Provide technical and diplomatic support to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electoral systems and ensure future elections are free, fair, and credible.

This is a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone and the Commonwealth. We urge you to act now to prevent further democratic backsliding and ensure that the people of Sierra Leone can trust in their electoral process. As Moral Guarantors, we call upon you to support our struggle for “electoral justice” because it is a good fight to protect fundamental human rights, which is a core value for the International Community and civilized democracies. When justice is fair and effective, it upholds the dignity and rights of individuals and contributes to political and social stability. For further information or media enquiries, please contact the Director-General or key members on the numbers and email address provided on this letterhead:

SIGNED

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah DIRECTOR-GENERAL Cc:

• Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
• Brian Forni, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
• Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
• Karim Ahmad Khan, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest
• Ms. Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner
• The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone
• H. E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS
• H. E. Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
• Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
• H.E Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana
• H. E. Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
• H. E. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
• H. E. Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia
• David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev Affairs, UK
• Neil Alan John Coyle, MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark, UK
• Ambassador Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the UK&I
• Ambassador Mohammad Maidugu, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in the UK&I
• Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Head of Mission, The Gambia high Commission, UK&I
• H.E Fatimata Dia, Ambassador of Senegal to the UK&I
• H.E Gurly T. Gibson-Schwarz, Ambassador of Liberia to the UK&I
• British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone
• Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Canada in Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Germany to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Lebanon to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Brazil to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Sweden to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Libya to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Egypt to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Guinea to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of The Gambia to Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Italy in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Ireland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of India to Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Senegal in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Syria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Turkey in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Mali in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Romania in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Norway in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of France in Sierra Leone 5
• Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of The Netherlands in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Spain in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Serbia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Austria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Denmark in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Russia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global) Motto: Trust, Unity and Social Justice Email: advocacy1@slam-global.org.uk Mobile :UK – +447725982424/+447564115946 EU – +46734836874/+34676768005 US – 01732-619-9510/01608-772-3917