Written by Alhaji K. Tarawally, PhD
Youth & Good Governance Advocate
As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 presidential election, a fresh wave of democracy is sweeping across Africa. Botswana’s recent vote, in which people ousted a ruling party after 58 years, demonstrates what happens when fed-up citizens—especially the young—stand up and demand real change. The Progressive Alliance for Change (PAC) is poised to seize this momentum and break the 64-year stranglehold of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) with a new radical youth-led political ideology for change.
Botswana’s win teaches big lessons about getting involved in politics and the strength of youth action. The opposition group, led by Duma Boko, won big by focusing on anger over a stagnant economy and sky-high joblessness, especially among young people (unemployment rates there hit 27% in 2024, according to World Bank data, with youth rates at 40%). When he lost, President Mokgweetsi Masisi admitted defeat and promised a smooth handover—a strong nod to fair democracy that shines during tough times.
Sierra Leone faces the same social and financial challenges that have persisted under the SLPP and APC since 1961. With over 60% of our population under 35 (approximately 5 million young people, according to UN 2025 estimates), the youth are becoming increasingly frustrated by joblessness rates exceeding 70% (the World Bank’s 2025 report shows that this leaves 1.5 million without work, fueling poverty and unrest). This group isn’t just numbers—they’re a powerful force that can flip the political scene if they get organized.
The PAC movement speaks for this energetic youth crowd. Just like Senegal, where young voters elected 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye in 2024, boosting youth turnout to 65% (according to African Union statistics) and reducing corruption perceptions by 15% in early polls, Sierra Leone could choose a leader who truly represents young voices through radical political ideology. The PAC dispensation offers new ideas, promoting fresh thinking, honesty, and genuine responsibility in leadership. This isn’t about swapping old faces—it’s about ripping up the broken system, ditching the tribal splits that have held us back for decades.
Sure, SLPP and APC have history, but their long rule has mostly brought dead ends and letdowns. Sierra Leone’s economy grew by just 2.5% in 2024 (half the African average, according to IMF data), with corruption scandals costing billions, such as the $50 million lost in COVID funds under the SLPP, as reported by Transparency International in 2025. The PAC “Now Or Never” plan aims to bring everyone together, regardless of their region or tribe, focusing on national teamwork and genuine growth.
By pursuing a shared vision, the PAC movement can garner support from across the country. Recent wins in Africa, such as Botswana (where the opposition secured 65% of the seats) and Senegal (with GDP growth jumping 8% post-election due to reforms), demonstrate that when people unite and demand answers, change can occur rapidly.
It’s Now or Never
Heading into 2028, Sierra Leoneans need to back this movement to transform or merge into a new political dispensation with full energy. No more sitting back—we have to face the mess and grab the chances ahead. We dream of a future where leaders match the hopes of our youth.
The ball is in our court. Let’s build the change, creating a Sierra Leone that runs on new ideas, fairness for all, and real progress. PAC isn’t just a movement—it’s a full-on, radical, youth-led political initiative that aspires to transform the socio-economic status of this country with a loud wake-up call for every Sierra Leonean who wants a better tomorrow.
In the name of unity and grit, let’s learn from Botswana and Senegal. Let’s stand up as one, knowing change isn’t just possible—it’s coming. The 2028 elections aren’t just a regular vote; they’re our chance to rewrite Sierra Leone’s story. Act now—it’s truly “Now or Never.”
#FixSierraLeone #NowOrNever #YouthRevolution #NGCPower 🇸🇱