By politico staff writer
Native Consortium and Research Center, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), has appealed to all Citizens to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the June 24 multi-tier elections in the country.
The CSO in a press statement dated 12th June this year urged Sierra Leoneans to maintain the peace of the nation, saying that peace is supreme and that everyone should do everything to prevent any form of violence that will lead to the loss of lives or destruction of properties.
It stated that “if the international Community, Religious Leaders, CSOs, the Media and Political Actors keep loud silence to prevent violence before, during and after the upcoming elections, but wait until any blood is shed before making bogus press releases like August 10, then you are equally guilty.”
However, it commended the US Embassy in Freetown and other international moral Guarantors, Political parties, well-meaning CSOs, and other non-state actors who have openly denounced violence and preaching peace messages.
It, therefore, reiterated that any attempt to provoke violent protest before the election is not in the interest of the country.
“The best way to go is to register the protest at the ballot box and avoid a repeat of the August 10 fiasco,” part of the statement reads.
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has in its initial pre-election period Report published on the 8th June, 2023 expressed concern over the magnitude of election violence cases in the country in the campaign period.
It indicated that while the election campaigns have been largely peaceful, there were violent incidents spotted across the country.
Sierra Leone is 10 days away from voting for the next president to lead the country for the next five years.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (14/06/23)
