By Makutu Manneh
The information minister, Ismaila Ceesay, has cast doubt on the political neutrality of Apex Initiative, a group seeking to rally opposition parties into a coalition ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election.
Speaking during his weekly government update on West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay said the group’s claim of nonpartisanship was incompatible with its stated goal of forging a unified front against the ruling party.
“Trying to form a coalition is politics. It is high politics,” he said. “You call yourself politically neutral, but you want to come and put parties together.”
Apex Initiative has presented itself as a civic platform aimed at encouraging opposition unity in the closely watched election. But Dr. Ceesay argued that its involvement in brokering alliances among established political parties undermined its assertion of neutrality.
He suggested that the group was attempting to impose itself on parties with longstanding structures, resources, and independent campaign strategies. “You just come from anywhere outside, sit in your corner, and say, ‘I am coming to help them form their coalition,’” he said. “That is why Apex is dead from inception.”
The minister also questioned the group’s transparency, saying its lack of openness would limit its effectiveness. “We do not even listen to Apex,” he said, adding that he had only recently become aware of its existence. He described the initiative as insignificant in the broader political landscape.
Representatives of Apex Initiative have not publicly responded to the minister’s remarks.
Comments are closed.