Democracy is indeed consultative

Thank God! We gave our backs to the clamour over nomination fees.

It was tough but, like always, we reached the end.

My hope, however, is that Sierra Leoneans, especially the leadership, have learned from the experience of those few weeks.

Like in almost every subject of discussion in this country, there were two arguable sides to the debate. Whether genuine or not, both sides put forward understandable points.

It depended on whom you were talking to.

But also like always, there was this third party voice that tended to want to portray the voice of wisdom. In some ways it wants to remain on the fence, while in real fact it has a stronger view but only chooses to deceive itself by tacitly fuelling confrontation.

To such people I say one lesson Sierra Leone has certainly learned in those few turbulent weeks is that democracy should be consultative, and that choices can`t be imposed.

If the National Electoral Commission (NEC) had properly consulted with the relevant stakeholders we could have saved time, and avoided the unsavoury exchanges during the cause of the debate over whether the electoral body was right to increase the fees or not.

Having noted these, let me say credit must be given to the incumbent president, Ernest Bai Koroma, for demonstrating true leadership by agreeing to subsidize the fees.

It takes real leadership to do what he did.

And for the opposition, they just confirmed once again what very much makes me feel proud about this country`s politics – that important role the opposition plays which not only seeks to consolidate democracy but also authenticate it.

And lest I forget, one advice! Existing dispute resolution mechanisms like the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), which I understand played a critical role in resolving that impasse, needs to adopt a more proactive stance.