NEC Warns Against Campaign Violence

By Lewis K. Glay

 

 

Forum
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted August 17, 2005

 

The National Elections Commission (NEC) says it will not relent to revoke the acceptance certificate of any political party, alliance or independent candidate whose supporters will perpetuate violent acts during the campaign period.

NEC Chairman Frances Johnson Morris said the commission anticipates peaceful and non-violent campaign period from August 15 – 9 October.

She said individual parties, coalitions or candidates will be accountable for any violence committed by their supporters or sympathizers during the campaign period.

Cllr. Morris made these statements yesterday at NEC’s regular press briefing in Sinkor, when she officially declared the campaign open for the October election.

She disclosed that there were reports of provocation amongst different parties’ supporters yesterday at the start of the campaign in Monrovia.

Placards belonging to individual parties were reportedly destroyed by thugs indicating that partisans or affiliates of those parties did not conduct themselves properly.

The NEC boss said offensive acts, inflammatory statements and the tearing down of campaign materials by members of one party against another party will not be tolerated during the process.

Meanwhile, rejected applicants who registered to contest the October 11, 2005 elections will be refunded fees paid to NEC for processing their applications.

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