In examining the outcomes of the recent Venezuelan Presidential election and the June 24th, 2023, Sierra Leone presidential election several notable parallels can be drawn as follows. Overall, both elections were characterized by intense scrutiny and significant public interest, with each country facing unique yet comparable challenges in their electoral processes. The issues of widespread allegations of electoral malpractices, irregularities and a lack of institutional accountability and transparency including the announcement of results within unprecedented time frames took Centre-Stage. (Photo: Dr Samura Kamara).

There were serious concerns and expressions of doubts among the people, international observers and opposition parties about the fairness and integrity of the voting and counting processes and 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 huge turnout of voters, mounted a vigorous campaign and Vote for Change.

In both countries, the opposition disputed the official results as announced by the central electoral management institutions against which the opposition also provided electoral results shown both opposition candidates having commanding leads over the incumbents.  Additionally, and equally paramount, the role of international observers played a critical part in both elections. In Venezuela, international bodies such as the European Union (EOM), 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), Carter Center, National Election Watch, 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 the actions of 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 US, UK, EU, AU and ECOWAS, uphold the principles of transparency and accountability they so overtly and dedicatedly champion. If left unresolved, this trend threatens to escalate to many other countries, where incumbent presidents may simply have their Electoral Officials declare them winners with flawed and 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 development uncertainties. Democracy can only be saved if the international community takes a strong and immediate stand against these corrupt practices by reversing these undemocratic outcomes. The parallels between these two elections serve as a reminder of the universal challenges faced by emerging democracies in maintaining the trust and confidence of their electorates. It is imperative for the international community to 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.

The question is: If the international community, in particular, the United States of America and other several other revered western democracies came out forcefully to condemn electoral fraud in Venezuela, why would Sierra Leone be different?  The citizens of Sierra Leone also matter and they must be sufficiently be supported by the WORLD to share the benefits of ELECTORAL JUSTICE. I am therefore compelled, once again, to draw attention to the alarming erosion of democratic principles in Sierra Leone, where the sanctity of the electoral process is allowed to be been compromised.

I, together with all other political leaders in the country, must therefore remain honest and steadfast in a commitment to advocating for the rights of our people, exploring all avenues to ensure their demands for Electoral Justice and restoration of democracy are met. I respectfully solicit the continued support of esteemed champions of democracy, at home and abroad. The triumph of democracy in Sierra Leone is crucial!!!!!”

Author: Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara