Dr. Samura Kamara has emerged as the selected flag bearer for the main opposition party, the All People's Congress, in the upcoming general elections scheduled for June 24th, 2023. Having previously lost to Julius Maada Bio in the 2018 elections, Dr. Kamara will once again lead the party, this time with Chernor Maju Bah as his running mate. President Bio, on the other hand, has chosen Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh as his running mate, maintaining their partnership from the successful 2018 polls.
Dr. Samura Kamara has outlined his mission, which centers around the idea of building a unified and progressive nation. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition as the first critical task. His broader agenda includes uniting the country, restoring the independence of institutions, and establishing governance based on the principles of the rule of law, procedures, and due process. Dr. Kamara aims to eliminate fear and uncertainty associated with changes in government, ensuring that no citizen loses their job due to a shift in power. He envisions a Sierra Leone where every individual is treated fairly and justly by the government. In setting the right tone at the top, his immediate priorities include addressing currency depreciation, inflation, and restoring investor confidence. Moreover, he plans to rationalize government spending and review existing initiatives such as the Free Quality Education and Free Health Care programs to ensure their effective implementation and impact. Dr. Kamara's long-term goals involve fostering economic growth, strengthening national unity, combatting corruption decisively, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service. He intends to base appointments and enrollments solely on merit, devoid of political or ethnic considerations.
Dr. Mathew Wilson Kamara, an aspirant from within the APC, has demonstrated strong leadership qualities in his efforts to unite the party before the upcoming elections. Recognizing that divisions and conflicts are inherent in any democratic organization, he emphasizes the significance of effective mechanisms to manage and resolve such issues. Despite internal disagreements and external disruptions aimed at the party, notable progress has been made. The APC's existing structures have historically proven their ability to deliver when required. Dr. Mathew Wilson Kamara was elected as the party's flag bearer because the delegates believe in his capacity to bring everyone together. All former contestants for the flag bearer position are fully supportive of his campaign. In fact, one of the resolutions passed during the National Delegates Conference, where he was elected, focused on readmitting former members who had previously left the party. Dr. Kamara is actively involved in implementing this resolution and is committed to building upon the progress made, ensuring that the APC becomes a formidable force in Sierra Leone.
As the primary opposition to the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), the APC has engaged in numerous dialogues with the government to effectively fulfil its role. However, the government has been preoccupied with addressing the challenges it claims were inherited from the APC's 11-year rule. Dr. Mathew Wilson Kamara highlights the importance of collaborating with other political parties, stressing the need for consensus-building and cooperation. The APC has demonstrated its willingness to work together on various occasions, including efforts to combat COVID-19, providing relief support, supporting relevant regulations, and responding to the state of emergency. While the SLPP government's time in power is coming to an end, Dr. Kamara asserts that the APC will continue to support government policies and programs in the national interest until he assumes office as president on June 25th. He emphasizes the shared identity of all Sierra Leoneans, considering them compatriots, and his dedication to the country drives him to work with everyone to overcome the significant challenges currently faced. Dr. Kamara strongly believes that the collective involvement of all Sierra Leoneans is essential to propel the nation forward, and discrimination against any citizen is firmly rejected.