By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Team Lead of Election Conflict Prevention and Mediation Working Group Abdul Fatorma has told a meeting of stakeholders in Kenema that the high intake of nicotine threatens security. Fatorma whilst highlighting the causes of violence noted that too much nicotine can serve as a threat to state security especially during the election.
He explained that politicians sometimes hire ex-combatants for personal security and said he was in Kenema to get the opinion of the citizens, especially with the hate messages being circulated on social media about the upcoming election which he said is not good for the country’s democracy.
Fatorma said the process of preventing conflict in elections started way back in 2020 and the groups involved comprised the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Political Parties Regulation Commission, Political Parties, Inter-Religious Council and Campaign for Human Rights and Development. He said their engagements were geared towards getting the views of the people regarding the 2023 elections.
Previously, he said all the bye-elections were marred by violence, but that since the institution was formed, nine bye-elections were covered and none was nullified.
Fatorma said they have ensured there is fairness in those elections, noting that political parties and the security sector including the police dialogued and deliberated on how they want the election. He said their inputs will be taken to the Office of National Security and the Inspector General of Police in order for them to have those views in mind in the execution of their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the security sectors, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Dikisu Kamara cataloged the measures set by the security sectos toward achieving a peaceful election.
He said most political parties do not comply with the timeline for campaigning, noting that it is a violation.
He said most often conflict occurs after the announcement of the election as a result of the grievances amongst people in inter-party politics which often leads to violence and destruction of property.
He assured all that the police are well prepared, explaining that there will be training for all the security sectors such as police, military, correctional officers, and the national fire force among others.
“Our role is to provide security at all times and we have put a lot of structures which show police preparedness for the election’’ said Kamara.
The Assistant Election Manager Kenema Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone(ECSL) Thomas Tamba Taylor said the institution aims to promote democracy, and good governance in a peaceful atmosphere by conducting credible elections and the results can be accepted by all.
The Manager assured the people that the commission will continue to apply the rules and regulations guiding the election.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (17/03/23)
