The Office of National Security (ONS) has assured political parties that they are committed to providing security and stability during the election campaign and voting in March 2018. The ONS, funded by Search for Common Ground, held a dialogue session, at the Bank Complex, between the security sector and political parties to discuss and promote tolerance, peace and non-violence.
The Inspector General of Police, Francis A. Munu, said there are two sets of police trainees undergoing basic induction training. He said the UK College of Policing is also training his personnel on various aspects of election security.
Kandeh Kolleh Yumkela, the flag-bearer for the National Grand Collation (NGC) Party, said the dialogue conference was helpful. He noted, as a new Party they need peace and security. He said equal numbers of security should be provided for all the parties. The safety of election materials is crucial. He said so far they trust the police.
The IGP said they will rely on the Correctional Services, the Fire Force, the Metropolitan Police and the Chiefdom Police to support them in manning various polling stations.
“The Police, Munu said, “will deploy two officers per polling station and possibly others to manage queues.” According to NEC, there will be 11,200 polling stations at 3,300 polling centres with between 300-400 voters per station.
The IG noted that politicians should not use private security guards and those who wear military or security uniforms are illegal. He said the police will provide a minimum of two security guards for every Presidential candidate or upon request.
The flag-bearer of the Alliance for Democratic Party (ADP) Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, said they are expecting the police to be bias free, to protect and serve the country and not a political party. He said the decision by the police to provide personal security to all political party leaders is in place noting that it will help in uniformity and respect for the rule of law.
Inspector General Munu said the police will need at least Le13 billion plus money for other security players. He said every administrative district will have at least two new vehicles and each of the Regional Commanders will also be provided with a new vehicle.
The IGP warned, “Democracy implies that the rule of law should prevail at all times because in all it is the police that has responsibility for providing security and maintaining law and order,” he concluded.
MK/21/11/17
By Mohamed Kabba
Twitter: @chikakabba
Wednesday November 22, 2017.
ADVERTISEMENT