Subject: Re: Postpone Elections
Mustapha Sesay writes as his top priority for the NPRC as follows:
4) Embark on an extensive agricultural project unlike the "green revolution" While those priorities may be very noble indeed, I do take issue with the notion of postponing the elections. Although I was an early adherent of this very thought because of the practical impossibility of reaching the entire population in light of a brutal civil war, I have now come to belive it is the lesser of two evils. History have shown that the longer a military government stays in power, the harder it becomes for them to countenance the idea of a return to civilian rule. Thus, even though an election now is notthe perfect answer, a return to constitutional government an the restoration of state institution is very desireable.
The top priority of any new government as I see it, is returning the country to stability which in turn will bring very much need investment. A total review of the causes of this brutal war should be instituted not so much as an instrument for bringing the perpitrators to justice (that may only solidify resistance to peace), but as an instrument of change with an eye towards preventing a recurrence of such brutal attrocities. Let us remember that the innocence of peaceful Sierra Leone has been shattered. What is to prevent other disillusioned citizens or trouble makers with internationalsupply of arms to resort to the same action?
My wish list is as follows: