STANDARD VOICE We Implore All Sierra Leoneans….. Put Country First and Vote Wisely Posted by on Sep 3, 2007, 16:50

Well ahead of the preparatory stage for the 11th August 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, we at Standard Times took the initiative to be persistently appealing to all Sierra Leoneans about choosing the next leader after the expiration of the mandate of current government.

We did so not because we have interest in any particular individual or set of people or political party.  As a newspaper house that is concern about the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans, our primordial concern has been bringing in a set of people with the initiative and sympathy to work in the interest of the poor.

Without mincing our words, we took up that self imposed but nationalistic task because for quite a considerable period of time, it was realized that things have been moving from bad to worse.

It became an open secret at some stage with many people asking the question of who was in charge and of what.  It is no exaggeration that for quite a considerable period the minister that were serving in President Kabbah’s government were faced with unremitting criticisms

The criticisms that were levied against the Kabbah government border on ineffective and inefficient performance of ministers and alleged corrupt practices.  There were times when the voice of the people became so loud, asking for some of the ministers to be thrown out on the basis of inefficiency.  But Mr President who grew so powerful to the point that he could not even listen to the voice of those who made him political king of this kingdom let alone the common people.

As a media institution, during all those times we strenuously endeavored to alert this government that large number of Sierra Leoneans was growing disgruntled with this government.  Painfully, this government could not listen, something which perpetrated the suffering of the masses.

As independent players we consciously and continuously endeavour to be reminding this government that in modern day political dispensation, there is no way a serving government can disregard the voice of the masses.  Rather, than taken heed of the caution that we were given, we were automatically considered by the serving government as an opposition to them.  This did not however weaken our stance as we continue to plod along amidst trying situations.

The editorial team of Standard Times, conscious of the fact that the elections are not over, is continuing with its usual appeal to all Sierra Leoneans.  We respect the fact that voting is by secret and that is where were would want to continue to the conscience of our entire compatriot to think about the sorry state of our country and consider having some one that can help remedy the situation.  Our appeal is that in the bid to put this country above every thing no sentiment should be entertained.  The important consideration must be nothing but a performing, who will take this country high up.

As far as we are concern, this will be the only way that every serving government will come to respect the wish of Sierra Leoneans.  We were happy that our call for a massive turn out for elections was adhered to during the first rounds.  We therefore want to encourage all Sierra Leoneans to do likewise for the second rounds.  This is extremely important because just one vote would make the greatest difference this time round. 

We at this media are appealing not only for the huge turn up for elections but most importantly the vigilance that was displayed by all during the 11^th August, 2007 polls.  Certainly, it only through this that we will have a peaceful and meaningful election in this country.