Bah Outlines Principles of Democratic Transition in Sierra Leone

Bah Outlines Principles of Democratic Transition in Sierra Leone

Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and 2028 APC flagbearer aspirant, recently addressed the nature of executive transitions in Sierra Leone. He clarified that the presidency does not possess the authority to "hand over" power to any specific political entity, asserting instead that sovereign leadership is determined exclusively by the electorate.

Bah’s observations were issued in response to recent commentary from the leadership of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), seeking to reinforce the constitutional protocols governing democratic successions.

Emphasizing the foundational principles of the state, Bah remarked, "In a robust democracy, power is not a commodity for a sitting President to bestow. It is the inherent right of the citizens of Sierra Leone. Any rhetoric suggesting that executive transition is a gift of the incumbent is fundamentally inconsistent with our democratic values."

He further distinguished the President's administrative role from the electoral process: "The transfer of authority to the APC or any other party is not an executive prerogative; the President's role in this transition is purely ceremonial. The mandate rests with the people, whose decisive will was demonstrated in 2007 and will be again in future elections."

Bah advocated for national stability and disciplined discourse, calling upon political leaders to refrain from inflammatory language that might compromise social cohesion. He underscored that the constitutional supremacy of the public will must remain inviolable.

In conclusion, Bah reaffirmed his commitment to the 'One Salone Agenda,' promoting a vision of a unified nation where civic participation is the primary architect of the country's future. He expressed confidence that the APC and the broader citizenry remain prepared to uphold the democratic processes enshrined in the Constitution.