The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has briefed election Observers both local and international and other interesting groups, including: members of the diplomatic mission in Sierra Leone, national and international organizations about observing the local government elections process which is expected to take place on July,5th this year.
“Having successfully conducted the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections including the presidential run-off, the National Electoral Commission NEC as mandated by the 1991 constitution is again faced with the uphill task of conducting the local government elections scheduled for the 5TH July, 2008.” Madam Christiana Thorpe the Chairman of NEC said.
She stated that the forth coming local government elections are the most important elections the country would hold, as the representatives would be very much instrumental in the development of their various communities.
“The candidates would be responsible for the economic, social and infrastructural development of local communities, adding that their decisions would affect the lives of people in their communities on a daily basis” she stated.
“The elections are very crucial to the consolidation of the peace process in the country as their conduct is a further test of the commission’s operational capacity to conduct elections in a professional manner” she added.
She noted that there is high need of observers in the coming elections to ensure transparency and credibility.
In accordance with the electoral laws Acts 2002 Section 48 and the statutory instrument for the nomination of candidates for the local government elections section 11, a nominated candidate may withdraw his/her nomination in writing not later than the 10th day.
All the regional commissioners maintained that inspite of small skirmishes they have put every situation under control to enhance peace and violent free elections.
On the security situation, Assistant Inspector General of Police Richard Moigbeh confirmed that they were well prepared to support all the phases of the elections.
He said the four regions of the country would be manned with close protection escort, escort to electoral materials, personal protection, roving protection team and rapid response team to counter any turbulent security threat
By Solomon Rogers