Monrovia, Liberia – The Coalition for Democratic Change and Unity Party supporters’ fight in Sinkor has been sharply denounced by the Election Coordinating Committee. On August 10, 2023, several people were hurt as fighting broke out between CDC and UP members, cutting off half of Tubman Boulevard’s free flow of traffic.
The Farmington River Declaration, in which political parties and presidential contenders vowed to abstain from all forms of violence during the electoral process, was violated, according to Counselor Oscar Bloh, Chairman of the ECC, speaking at a press conference in Monrovia.
Bloh emphasized that the Farmington Declaration framework calls for all presidential candidates and political party leaders to remind their supporters to practice tolerance, respect for others’ rights, and conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner during this crucial period of the election period.
The rules and tenets of participatory democracy are violated when political opponents are made the target of intimidation and fear. The ECC requested that the Liberia National Police (LNP) launch an immediate and open inquiry into the violence that resulted in numerous injuries.
The ECC urged that the LNP detain the perpetrators of the crimes and bring legal action against them in accordance with the due process of law principle. This call comes after the ECC noted that the results of earlier instances of electoral violence had not been made public.
The ECC reminded all political parties and independent candidates that while they have the right to run for office, they also have a duty to make sure that the Liberian Constitution’s guarantee of other citizens’ freedom of movement is upheld at all times while they are running for office.
The ECC additionally exhorts political parties and independent candidates to run issues-based campaigns and abstain from using divisive rhetoric or promoting hate speech throughout the election season.
The chairman of the election coordination committee has put forward six recommendations to stop more bloodshed during the presidential and legislature elections. Counselor Bloh suggested that the National Elections Commission should ask all political parties and independent candidates for their campaign schedules in order to avoid scheduling conflicts.
The ECC suggested that all political parties and independent candidates abstain from canvassing on the streets and gather their supporters in one location to interact with them. The committee recommended that the LNP provide security to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, in a neutral and impartial manner.
Bloh urged that the ECC’s proposed investigation’s findings be made public as soon as possible.
The ECC also recommended that they seek collective punitive actions against political parties or independent candidates who willfully violate the election laws of Liberia, the Campaign Regulations and the Farmington Declaration.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
