Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. In a compelling address following the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) 2028 Flag Bearer Debate Forum held on June 27, 2025, Brigadier General (Rtd) Kellie Conteh articulated his vision for selecting the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) flag bearer for the upcoming presidential election.
Conteh asserted the importance of a transparent and inclusive process, emphasizing that the party must avoid the pitfalls of “elected-selection” or “selected-election,” which he believes could jeopardise its chances of victory.
Conteh recognized the wealth of qualified candidates within the party but expressed concern over the apparent reluctance to learn from past mistakes.
He stated, “It is indeed disheartening to continue to observe that the party does not seem to have learned much from its one-too-many bad mistakes of the past.” He urged party members to consider a selection-by-elimination method to enhance decision-making in choosing the next leader.
In his remarks, Conteh stressed the necessity for the next flag bearer to come from outside the Southern Province, where the current leader, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, is from. He argued that it is crucial to consider candidates from the Eastern, Northern, Northwest, and Western regions to foster inclusiveness and unity within the party.
Conteh recalled the party’s previous preference for Bio over a Northern Province candidate to succeed late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, indicating that a similar approach should be taken in the current context.
Conteh also proposed that the flag bearer should not exceed their mid-sixties in age, advocating for the inclusion of younger, dynamic members while allowing older individuals to take on advisory roles.
He emphasized the need for a clean break from the current leadership once President Bio’s tenure concludes in 2028, suggesting that this would allow the first family to retire peacefully while continuing to contribute to the nation through their experiences.
Conteh called for a courageous flag bearer who is willing to radically overhaul any agreements regarding the country’s natural resources that do not significantly benefit Sierra Leone’s economy. He acknowledged that his criteria might provoke disappointment among various groups but insisted on the importance of addressing these issues candidly.
“I prefer saying some of these bitter truths now than staying dumb like so many more credible voices whilst we sleepwalk towards the precipice,” he stated.
Conteh concluded his address by expressing hope for a united front as the party prepares for the elections. He encouraged party members to engage in meaningful discussions to refine the selection process, ensuring that the best candidate emerges to lead the SLPP into the future.
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