By Makutu Manneh
The Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), Hon. Suwaibou Touray, has criticized the practice of offering gifts and material incentives during election campaigns, describing it as an electoral inducement that undermines democratic principles.
Speaking in a recent interview on QTV, Mr. Touray responded to suggestions that political parties are often expected to distribute items such as cooking pots and motorbikes to attract supporters. He said such practices constitute inducement and, under electoral laws, should lead to disqualification from contesting elections.
“But how many people know this? Those receiving these will be happy, and those giving them out will have hope to be voted for,” he said. “There are laws, but they are not being implemented.”
Mr. Touray said his party’s approach focuses instead on voter education and the gradual development of democratic awareness. He argued that elections should be based on informed choice rather than material exchange.
He noted that the party aims to win the support of citizens who clearly understand its objectives, emphasizing that accountability depends on an informed electorate.
“If one does not understand why someone should be elected, if the person wins, anything they do, the voter will accept it because you do not understand why they are there. So people still need to be educated,” Touray said.
Mr. Touray added that the political environment in the country remains one in which many voters lack sufficient understanding of political processes, a challenge he said has persisted over time.
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