Political parties in the country have been admonished to work together in promoting tolerance and unity as a way to build stronger trust and confidence among politicians and build a positive political culture.
The appeal was made by President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma at a consultative working lunch held at State House, with leaders of the ten political parties, at which a process for resolving national issues, through political inclusiveness and engagement was established.
CHARLES MARGAI OF THE PMDC noted that trust and confidence are very paramount in any interaction among political parties. He commended the president for the meeting, which he described as a novelty and appears very much tantalizing. Mr Charles Margai also informed that he will take anything that is said in the meeting to his party hierarchy for discussion and possible continuation of their participation in future meetings with other political parties including the ruling APC
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President Koroma stressed the need for politicians to move freely across the political divide and political parties to cooperate in addressing critical issues, including lawlessness, corruption and the rule of law, to build a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive development in the country.
“Our success in achieving religious tolerance must be extended to political tolerance and be sincere to Sierra Leone”, he said. While declaring 2014 as the year of new direction, total engagement and progress, President Koroma declared his full adherence to the constitutional limit for presidents and urged political parties to have no hidden agendas.
THE SLPP’S CHIEF SOMANO KAPEN said that President Koroma has shown determination and commitment to move the country forward by inviting political parties to State House to discuss issues affecting the country. He reaffirmed his party’s commitment and faith to support the president to get the job done.
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In their contributions, comments and suggestions on the way forward, the representatives of the political parties endorsed the initiative to consult regularly and on critical issues affecting the country within the framework of trust, confidence, transparency and integrity.
Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLLPP) Chief Sumano Kapen said President Koroma has displayed determination and commitment to move the country forward by engaging parties to discuss issues affecting the country.
PRESIDENT KOROMA AT THE HIGH TABLE ADDRESSING THE MEETING
He reaffirmed his party’s commitment and faith to work with decisiveness for what; he called the Agenda for Dialogued and Mediation.
Charles Francis Margai, Leader of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), noted that trust and confidence are very paramount in any interaction among political parties and commended the President for the novelty of the process.
Mohamed Bangura, Chairman and Leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) urged his colleague leaders to work hard and in unity to resolve critical national problems.
The Peace and Liberation Party (PLP) Leader, Dr Kandeh Baba Conteh resolved to continue meetings in quarterly consultations and resolving national issues and established management committees of Secretaries General of the ten political parties to sustain the process to ensure continued monitoring and timely actions.
The political party’s consultative meeting was attended by various Chairmen and Secretary Generals, as well as the Vice President, key cabinet ministers and the Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission.
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