We as journalists-in-exile living in Sydney, Australia, are not encouraged by recent news reports about Sierra Leone as the nation awaits the presidential run-off election. We are concerned about the safety of innocent citizens who are still trying to mend the wounds inflicted by the ten-year brutal war. The violence and brutality, which are caused by politicians and their supporters, can be worrisome to all peace-loving Sierra Leoneans.

 We feel that this is the right time that Sierra Leoneans should be given the chance to choose their own political leadership through the ballot box and not one imposed on them. We ask that politicians, whose mandate given by the people has expired, should step down and give way to those the people want.

 The use of the concept of “landlord” and “tenant” in the present Sierra Leonean politics is parochial and illusive and a reversion of the noble conceptions of democratic principles. Sierra Leone is no longer living in the twentieth century where people were compelled to cast their votes to suit the whims of over-ambitious and greedy politicians. In this present era the choice should be left entirely in the hands of the long-suffering Sierra Leoneans who, for many years, have been yearning for a leader of their own choice.

 We insist that the incessant intimidation by whichever political party or parties against the electorate be halted and the people given the chance to vote peacefully on the day of the run-off. We implore the electoral commission and the police and all other concerned bodies to maintain the neutrality they had exhibited in the August 11 2007 elections.

 We abhor the frequent reports about some old and worn-out soldiers of the NPRC mingling in the politics of the country not as good citizens but as agents of ill-motivated acts after squandering all they stole from the country's coffers in their halcyon days.

 Furthermore, we are not in favour of the reports of the frequent use of government funds for bribery and use of government property like vehicles for campaigns by the ruling party at the detriment of opposition parties.

 We further condemn the sharp prominence of tribal, sectional and religious divisions that have embraced the politics of Sierra Leone in recent years. We believe that all Sierra Leoneans are one and the same irrespective of tribe, section or religion.

 As the run-off election approaches, we appeal to all Sierra Leoneans to cast their votes for the person or party they feel will do better to rehabilitate their dilapidated lives.

 Finally, we appeal to the international community to maintain the vigilance they showed in the past presidential and parliamentary elections and we solicit that more international observers be sent into the country for the presidential run-off, a very crucial part of the whole electoral process in the country.

Signed___________________________

      Edison Yongai

Signed___________________________

   Edmondson Sonny Cole

 Signed___________________________

      Prince George-Coker

Signed___________________________

      Toni B. Conteh

Signed____________________________

      Abdulrahaman Jalloh