By politico staff writer
The National Commission for Democracy (NCD) has engaged first-time voter’s youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and women on voter education and violence prevention in the forthcoming multi-tier elections in Sierra Leon slated for June 24 this year.
The programme was held at the Albertson Hotel in Kenema and the Olive’s Garden in BO respectively.
The key messages presented to participants focused on their understanding of the District Block Proportional Representation (PR) system, trust in the Electoral process, dealing with hate speech, political tolerance, and conduct of citizens during elections, among others.
In her presentation, Chairman of the Commission Marian Angela Samu underscored the need to educate the aforementioned category of people in the electoral process with the kind of attitude expected of patriotic citizens. She said youths should be provided with the requisite education they required that will mold them into good citizens before attaining leadership responsibilities in the future.
She admonished the audience not to involve in any form of violence and urged them to promote peaceful elections come 24th June. She encouraged participants to share the knowledge they have acquired from the town hall meetings with their peers, family members, and the various communities they represented.
The Eastern Region Commissioner, Pastor Momoh Bockarie stated that election is a crucial component in the democratic process of the country and advised those present not to allow politicians to divide them as they are one family. He encouraged participants to play their part in ensuring that the conduct of the election is peaceful and credible.
A representative from the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) in Bo, Anthony Aiah Senessie noted that the involvement of first-time voters, PWDs, and women in the voter education process is key for the forthcoming elections. He said since ECSL is the sole body responsible to conduct general elections in the country, they are therefore committed to conducting credible elections in June 2023.
He added that the Commission has put measures in place to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.
The Regional Security Coordinator in the Office of National Security (ONS) in Bo, Momoh Conteh noted that they will ensure adequate security is provided for the people of the Southern Region. He said though they are faced with some security challenges, the ONS in collaboration with the Police and Military are working round the clock to address them.
The National Commission for Democracy geared towards building citizens' interest in the Constitutional Review Process and increasing the understanding of the importance of the Constitution to the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (24/05/23)
