Labour frowns at political violence

The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has issued a press statement vehemently condemning the current spate of political violence. The SLLC release states that the congress has been following with keen interest recent developments in the political landscape of Sierra Leone leading to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
 “SLLC wishes to express its utmost concern over the increasing spate of indiscipline and violence that seem to engulf the nation, preceding the elections,” the release notes.
Even more worrying, the release states, “…is the serious threat this phenomenon poses to the hard earned peace and democracy currently enjoyed by the nation, after the 11 years national turmoil and retrogression.”
The SLLC media release reminds, “all players and followers engaged in the political process [to remember] about the sweat and blood that some of our compatriot have given up for the attainment of democracy in our beloved country Sierra Leone”
The statement encourages, “all to engage each other in a tolerable manner that will lead us to peaceful elections come August 11 and beyond…This glaring call is made, because the SLLC will not sit by and see all the efforts it has made together with the people of Sierra Leone to attain peace and democracy ruined”.
“In the event that political parties, groups or persons engage themselves in act of intimidation, violence or any attempt at gaining power by unlawful means; the congress would meet, review the situation and take appropriate measures,” the report states.
SLLC calls on the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Political Party Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and the security forces to execute their duties without fear or favour.
SLLC also beckons political parties and their supporters to cease further violations and strictly adhere to electoral laws and the political parties’ code of conduct.
According to the release SLLC, “implores all and sundry to exercise restraint and tolerance for the maintenance of law and order for the stability of the nation.”