By Nasratu Kargbo
Amidst post-election tension in the country, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has called on the security sector to be more vigilant.
The institution made this call in their preliminary statement on the Elections, published on the 25th June 2023; which states: “The ICPNC has observed several emerging post-voting tensions and an increase in violent incidents across various districts in the country. Therefore, we call upon the security forces to enhance vigilance and security in all parts of the country as we approach the conclusion of the aspect of the election process”.
The institution urged all citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding, whilst they await the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) personnel to carry out their duties in peace.
The institution in their release said that they received complaints, explaining that their commission’s call centre has received two thousand four hundred and seven calls, nine hundred and sixty six WhatsApp messages and videos. It explained that the reports include reports of threats, violence, ballot stuffing, late commencement of voting and supply of voting material in some areas especially in the Western Area,the intimidation of polling staff and late deployment amongst others.
“These factors have contributed to increased political tension in some polling stations, particularly in the Western Area, as reported by the ICPNC Peace Monitors” a part reads.
It stated that the commission has responded to reports of security threats, to ECSL staff through coordination with the security sector to ensure they are safe. It added that their team of analysts which consists of the media, security, legal, political, data and human right experts engaged and made necessary referrals to authorities and institutions concern to quickly find remedies to the situations.
According to the statement, the commission trained six hundred and fifty Peace Monitors and one hundred and sixty Mediators that were deployed across the country. It explained that they were charged with the responsibility to identify and report issues that pose or has the potential to cause threat to peace and national cohesion.
Copyright © 2023 (Politico (26/06/23)
