By Karamoh Kabba
Director of Comm. & Media, PMDC-USA
One of the major reasons amongst great political thinkers in their
quest for democratic ideals is the human survival instinct to eradicate the
survival of the strongest of the past. Thus, the general truth that
politics is local cannot be taken for granted.
And the PMDC’s main reasons to support the APC in the imminent run-off
presidential election are to ensure a more representative government,
the survival of the PMDC as a political party and the creation of a
third formidable political force for smooth running of democracy in
Sierra Leone. Our decision is entirely for the aforementioned selfless
reasons; it is not for personal gain.
The poll results clearly show a country sharply divided on regional
lines. If the PMDC must be faithful to its third force political
principle of integration of a society across regional lines, it must
throw its weight behind a force that is readily predisposed to
integrate with PMDC support.
Examining the poll results, most of our support is south-eastern based.
Supporting the SLPP will only strengthen the great regional political
divide we have been preaching against all along. On the other hand,
supporting the APC will make a difference in integrating a nation not
just at the higher leadership but also at the grassroots level.
We are conscious that the SLPP feels betrayed by our simple existence
because it is inclined to parochial and regional politics for its
success in the runoff. That a good strategy for the SLPP for its survival
in the future is to decapitate the PMDC. That the APC is surely
interested in keeping the PMDC around for its divide and conquer
instincts. That is the simple truth folks.
And we were left with the
responsibility of making an organizational decision in the interest of
the nation and our movement. Meanwhile, we knew that the only chance we
have in building an inclusive government support base in the next five
years to forever eradicate the regional and parochial politics in our
country lies with the APC.
Above all, Sierra Leone needs a force that will prevent an
overwhelming majority Parliament under a single party. This will only
help with a better democratic decision-making process.
Therefore, our support for APC is grounded in principles that sharply
contrast speculations that Charles Margai wants power. That is why we
are discouraging our members against any eagerness for power. We are
warning our members who may be qualified to serve our nation to make
building a great nation and a formidable PMDC a priority that should
not be overshadowed by any enticement from the APC.
Charles Margai may have treated himself on his birthday with a swift
pronouncement than we intended, according to the National Financial
Secretary’s concern on BBC Network Africa morning program, but that does not
mean the issue was not debated and agreed upon within the PMDC, both in
Sierra Leone and in the diaspora.
In any case, the movement must stay alive; we urge all our supporters
to throw their weight behind the APC. Our message is clear: Our
country needs us to ensure a more representative government. PMDC must
survive as a political party and PMDC must help to ensure good
democratic principles in Sierra Leone.
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