By: Mohamed M. Sesay
At the first Election Steering Committee Meeting held at Bintumani, the Chairman of the Elections Steering Committee who also doubles as the country’s Chief Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa, has on Wednesday the 10th of May 2023, called on the Sierra Leone Police to apply the law to the fullest in terms of addressing lawlessness as the country prepares to go into elections. He said no nation could have a peaceful and credible elections in a lawless environment.
Chief Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa reminded the Sierra Leone Police about their responsibility which is to provide peace and security across the country. He reiterated that no nation could have a peaceful and credible elections in a lawless environment. Chief Minister therefore, encouraged the Police to enforce all applicable laws to the fullest geared towards promoting peace and security before, during and after the June 24th 2023 multi-tier elections. He called on development partners to strengthen state institution through financial support so that huge financial burden would not be put on the Ministry of Finance.
“You have to send the message clear that we can never have peaceful and credible elections in a lawless environment. The police have to enforce the law to the latter”, said Chief Minister.
Jacob Jusu Saffa also encouraged the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to be constantly informing the general public with regards the operation of the commission relating to the June 24th 2023 elections.
The Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, started his update by admonishing that the ECSL had distributed two million nine hundred and fifty- two thousand six hundred and eighty cards. He said the ECSL intends to reduce the time for elections result announcement but appealed for more mobility supports so that ECSL staff would be able to transport all results to the tally center. He also assured all and sundry of a very free, fair and credible elections.
The Chairman for Political Parties Registration Commission Abdulai Bangura, said the PPRC had had engagement with political parties which informed the development of a guideline agreed by all parties regarding their conduct of the election campaign. He disclosed that the PPRC had issue with the Main Opposition All People’s Congress Party with regards to respecting the law prohibiting street rally. He added that when the APC went to nominate their Presidential Candidate, they converged huge number people on the street which obstructed traffic rules. He continued that in the process of the APC’s Procession, they had a standoff with the Sierra Leone Police. He disclosed that the PPRC had launched its Strategic Communications Plan which would now help them interface with the public in terms of communication.
