YOUR VOTE IS NOT FOR SALE: TARAWALLY VOWS TO END POVERTY POLITICS IN SIERRA LEONE
SLPP Presidential Aspirant Hon. Musa Tarawally has issued a strong warning against using poverty to control voters, declaring that economic hardship must never be weaponized to undermine democracy.
Speaking through his Agenda MT Vision 2028, Tarawally raised concerns about the relationship between poverty, political power, and citizens’ ability to freely exercise their democratic rights.
He argues that a population struggling to meet its basic needs can become vulnerable to political manipulation, particularly when access to economic opportunities and essential support is perceived to depend on those in positions of political influence.
“While political leaders may have the power to influence citizens’ circumstances, such influence should never be used to buy their conscience, compromise their principles, or undermine their democratic rights,” Tarawally stated.
According to Agenda MT Vision 2028, the vote of a poor citizen carries exactly the same value as that of a wealthy citizen. Economic hardship should never determine a person’s political choices.
Tarawally said leadership must focus on empowering citizens rather than creating dependency. His blueprint emphasizes expanding economic opportunities, improving livelihoods, and enabling people to make informed decisions based on their convictions and aspirations for the future.
He further stressed the importance of educating and economically empowering citizens so they can participate meaningfully in democratic processes without feeling compelled to support political actors in exchange for temporary assistance or benefits.
The aspirant also called on citizens to remain vigilant and hold political leaders accountable, especially when practices that could undermine democratic freedoms emerge.
“Temporary benefits should not be allowed to determine the permanent political future of citizens,” he added. “Your dignity, conscience and freedom of choice must never be for sale.”
At the heart of Agenda MT Vision 2028 is a commitment to constructively challenge undemocratic practices and ensure that no Sierra Leonean has to sacrifice their voice or remain silent simply to secure political or economic survival.
