By Nasratu Kargbo
Political Party leaders in a meeting with the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) have agreed to speak to their members about the punishment prescribed to people who register more than once.
In a signed communiqué by various political parties dated 29th August 2022, they agreed to the conditions and guidelines contained.
“We will draw the attention of our members and supporters to the fact that both The Public Elections Act 2012 and the Bill that has just gone through Parliament, proscribe both underage and double Registration and prescribe penalties for both the perpetrators and those procuring them for such conduct,” a part reads.
Section 115(1) of the bill which was taken to parliament speaks on “Offences relating to multiple registered as a voter” and the penalty of such an offence. According to the law, the penalties that will be levied on a person who is caught double registering will be a fine of not less than 20,000 new Leone or 5 years imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment.
In addition to that, section 115 (2) states that “A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) shall, in addition to the penalty prescribed in that subsection, not be eligible to vote in that election or in the next election”. Whilst sub-section 3 of that same section speaks on the punishment that shall be levied on people who aid such a crime.
The parties also agreed they will fully participate in the registration exercise by encouraging their supporters to register and sensitize them and the nation as a whole, emphasizing that the focus is on those who have attained the voting age.
They also agreed to remind the public of their civic responsibility and right to participate in all electoral processes and made a vow that their messages will be tailored towards citizens' civic responsibility and voting which can only be practiced if they register.
“We will not send out campaign messages to the public, we will continue to preach tolerance and admonish our members and supporters to maintain the peace,” the parties pledged. They also agreed to support the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) by ensuring they warn their members to be peaceful and law-abiding throughout the whole registration process.
The meeting according to PPRC officials was held with political parties in order to solicit cooperation and ensure that they support the process.
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