By Nasratu Kargbo
West African Youth for Peace (WAYFP), an advocacy group has urged the government, Political Parties, and other Electoral Management Bodies in Sierra Leone to create conflict resolution mechanisms to address grievances.
The organisation in a press statement dated 20th June 2023; explained that they should ensure that they create avenues to address potential disputes or grievances that could arise from the electoral process.
“We call for the establishment and promotion of effective conflict resolution mechanisms. We are also encouraging all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and mediation in resolving any conflicts that may arise, rather than resorting to violence or other disruptive actions”.
In addition to establishing a conflict resolution mechanism, the organization also urged the government and other stakeholders to make sure there is equal access to accurate and timely information for all stakeholders such as voters, political parties, and the media.
It added that the government should facilitate the dissemination of information that is related to electoral procedures, candidate profiles, and other significant updates in order to ensure that the electorates are informed.
The institution further stated that the government should take adequate measures to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens including political candidates and electoral officers in the midst of the electioneering process. “We encourage the deployment of security forces in a manner that fosters trust and does not intimidate or suppress voters” a part reads.
WAYFP also stressed the relevance of transparency and integrity, noting that maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the electoral process is vital. The institution emphasized that electoral authorities should make sure that voter registration, voting, and counting procedures are done in a transparent manner. It added that the electoral authorities should allow the effective participation of observers and representatives from political parties.
The institution in its press release said they are ready to collaborate with the government, political parties, civil society organisations, and international partners to support the promotion of peaceful and transparent electoral practices. It further expressed the organisation’s commitment to fostering youth participation, advocating for peace, and contributing to the democratic development of the West Africa sub-region.
WAYFP is an umbrella body of youths and youth groups from the fifteen ECOWAS member states advocating for peaceful and transparent electoral practices in the West Africa sub-region. The group gathered virtually on 20th June 2023 on the theme ''The Role of the Youth in The Sierra Leone Election 2023''.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (23/06/23)
