Concord Times (Freetown)
Mohamed Massaquoi and Mohamed Vandi
22 June 2009
Freetown — Peoples' Movement for Democratic Change, PMDC regional and district elections held on Saturday in the eastern district town of Kenema were said to have ended up in serious confrontations between the victors and aggrieved losers in the party.
Some of them disclosed that they were planning to write a protest letter to the national executive complaining about the controversial conducts of the elections and including allegations of glaring misbehavior on the part of, Alex Jinnah Bockarie, the regional chairman elect.
National publicity secretary, who is contesting the position of national chairman, Mohamed Bangura confirmed that there were some members disgruntled by the performance of Bockarie during the electioneering period. He, however, stated that no formal complaint of misbehavior has reached the disciplinary committee, charged with the responsibility of ensuring that there was law and order binding all party members.
"I have called the regional body to get updates, they told me things went on well expect for some few members who were disgruntled with what happened," he said.
It was alleged that the regional chairman elect publicly misbehaved at various polling stations across the township; a crime for which the disciplinary committee could suspend his membership if proven guilty.
While several calls to reach Bockarie on this matter proved abortive, more members and supporters of the already flagging party have threatened to leave.
Regional publicity secretary east, David Keikula Sama told Concord Times that one of the presiding officers Alieu Kallon was seriously manhandled by Bockarie for reason they have not been able to get any clear answer.
"It is a violation of the party's constitution. Recently Festus Kpukumu, a senior party member in the Western Area was suspended for such unacceptable act. Bockarie is not above the constitution, therefore he should be suspended so that we can maintain sanity in the party," he protested adding that nobody should be surprised if he were to tender his letter of resignation from a party he has diligently served for more than three years.
Sama described the recent elections of district executive as unfortunate, stating that the entire process was stage-managed in the interest of people who could properly represent members of the party.
Aruna Feika, a party member from Kailahun said the elections were manipulated; a development he argued could have warranted threats of leaving by some party members.
"We will definitely go to our original base, because the vision in the party has lost," he said.
He said the chairman elect Jinnah Backarie was not a better representation.
However, electoral commissioner for Saturday's activities, Dr. Isaac Palmer, said the elections were conducted free and fear.
He said the regional and district positions were contested for and won.
"Alex Jinnah Amara polled 1,870 for the regional chairmanship against his opponent Abdul Wahab One who polled 1,612 votes. Mohamed Sesay was elected winner chairman Kenema district, whilst Mary Dugba won the regional chairlady position," he read.
He also maintained that there was room for members to petition his decision if they suspected any irregularities.
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