Ahead of Proposed Kailahun Visit – SLPP, PMDC Caution VP Sam-Sumana

Concord Times (Freetown)

Mohamed Massaquoi

23 May 2011

Freetown — Opposition outfits the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) have both registered their displeasure over the proposed visit of vice president Chief Samuel Sam-Sumana to Kissy Tongi in the Kailahun district, where a parliamentary by-election is set to be conducted by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Speaking to Concord Times in Kenema, Hon. Tamba Sam of the SLPP – representing Kailahun district in the house of parliament – said the planned visit by the vice president to Madopolahun in the height of campaigns leading to the by-election was contrary to the peace communiqué signed by political parties in the country to curb the spate of political violence.

He said the said visit also has the propensity of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

“APC supporters are intimidating SLPP members without any action taken by the police, so a visit by the vice president to the area is bound to increase tension ahead of the election. So we have come together as opposition parties to register our dismay and disapproval of such a visit,” noted Hon. Sam.

He called on the Sierra Leone police to deploy more personnel in the area to provide adequate security for the conduct of the said by-election in Kissy Tongi.

The office of the vice president could not be reached for comment up to press time.

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