Mohamed Konneh, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), has expressed grave concern regarding the continuous threats made against him and his family. During a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Commission's conference room on Tower Hill, Konneh stressed that the ECSL remains impartial and unaffiliated with any political party. He called for an immediate end to the abuse and threats directed at his family and the Commission's staff.
Konneh revealed that his family has been consistently targeted with threats by unidentified individuals, both within the country and abroad. Despite his initial decision to avoid meetings with political parties whose supporters engage in personal attacks, the ECSL has now chosen to engage with all parties, aiming to encourage them to discourage such behaviour among their followers.
The Commissioner urged political parties to take responsibility and prevent their supporters from hurling invectives at the families of their opponents. Expressing his dismay, Konneh highlighted the toll these threats have taken on his children, who have been subjected to questioning by their classmates about the situation, leading to unnecessary psychological distress.
He vehemently rejected the notion that such threats are a normal part of the election process, emphasizing that they are deliberate attempts by individuals who do not wish to see the country develop and maintain peaceful coexistence. Nevertheless, Konneh assured the public that these threats would not deter the ECSL from carrying out its constitutional duty.
Given the escalating situation, the Commissioner called upon all political parties and civil society groups to denounce and condemn the use of abusive and threatening language against fellow citizens, particularly targeting ECSL staff members. He expressed deep concern for the well-being of one staff member who has become fearful of answering phone calls, dreading the possibility of further invectives.
The threats against the Chief Electoral Commissioner and his family are a distressing development that raises serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the electoral process in Sierra Leone. The ECSL plays a vital role in ensuring fair and transparent elections, and any attempt to intimidate or obstruct its operations undermines the democratic principles that Sierra Leone upholds. The government and law enforcement agencies must promptly investigate these threats, identify the culprits, and ensure the safety of the Electoral Commissioner, his family, and the entire ECSL staff.
Sierra Leone, a nation known for its commitment to democracy, must not allow such threats and intimidation tactics to prevail. The government, political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens at large must unite to condemn these acts and protect the individuals who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections. The electoral process is a cornerstone of democracy, and the safety and security of those responsible for overseeing it should be of paramount importance to all Sierra Leoneans.