As election campaign starts today, the Electoral education component of the Civil Society Engagement in the Elections and Electoral Process (CSEEP) on Tuesday 16th October, launched electoral message posters, at the Search for Common Ground Studio, conference hall, for the forth- coming elections.
The messages targeted different types of people, who have influence on electoral processes. It targets the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Paramount Chiefs, the Police and the electorates.
Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) and Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), are the leading organizations.
Country Director, NMJD Abu Brima, said that the involvement of CSOs in this elections process is an indicator for improved governance. He added that during the campaign period, political parties have different messages targeting the same people.
Brima stated that as CSOs, they have their messages, which would reach everyone including political parties’ members.
Sahr James, representing the National Elections Watch (NEW) said that if voters are educated on how and why they should vote, then they will know what to do.
James said that CSOs are keen in electoral processes leading to good governance and advised the Focal Persons who will be deployed in different parts of the country, to judiciously use the resources provided to them and not to allow politicians to use them.
Education Officer, NEC, Edmond Alpha, who launched the message posters, registered their commitment to conduct free, fair, transparent, impartial and acceptable elections.
He said that it is important for CSOs to engage in meaningful spreading of messages on the electoral processes. Alpha stated that NEC has designed messages on voting at the polling centers.
The Education Officer encouraged CSOs to be part of the education process of teaching the public on how to vote.
He further encouraged them to be neutral in carrying out their duties, so that the elections can go on successfully.
Search for Common Ground Partnership Co-ordinator, Ken Ganna Conteh, said that after the 2007 elections, they noticed that electoral education was a problem. He hoped that these posters will be used to inform the electorates well.
By Abibatu Kamara
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