The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) has recently expressed serious concern regarding the partial disruption of normal activities and daily life in certain regions of the country, as well as various issues related to the ongoing election process.
CGG strongly condemns any actions carried out by political parties or groups that employ threats, violence, or intimidation to disrupt or interfere with the electoral process. All political parties, their supporters, and associates are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct outlined in the second schedule of the Political Parties Regulation Commission Act of 2022, according to a statement released by the organization.
The organization emphasized that violence, threats, intimidation, and public disturbances are unacceptable methods for addressing or resolving electoral grievances, regardless of their legitimacy. It further stated that political parties have a responsibility to maintain law and order by utilizing only constitutional and democratic means to settle their differences.
CGG also called upon the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to address the concerns raised by opposition parties in an impartial, independent, and transparent manner. The ECSL, mandated with conducting free and fair elections, should ensure that all stakeholders perceive its electoral processes as such. With the general elections less than two weeks away, the ECSL must work towards dispelling distrust and suspicion by promoting transparency in its processes and fostering cooperation with all involved parties in the electioneering process, CGG added.
The organization expressed confidence that such engagements would help de-escalate tensions and cultivate trust and confidence in the handling of the entire electoral process.
CGG urged the security forces to exercise restraint and avoid using excessive force against citizens. It emphasized that any violations should be addressed through legal channels, ensuring due process and respect for human rights.
In conclusion, CGG called upon all citizens to respect the law and exercise their electoral rights within the boundaries of the legal frameworks in place.