Ahead of the 2018 general elections, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Political Parties Registration and Political Parties representatives concluded a presentation on a code of conduct for political parties.
Held at the British Council, on Wednesday November 15 2017, 21 representatives from each political party filled the hall to participate in the review of the code of conduct for political parties and candidates.
Over 300 participants including civil societies and the media also took part in the process, which was first signed in 2004 by political parties, but over the years the number of registered parties has increased to more than 20 and there was a need for review.
According to the Chairman PPRC, Patrick Hamilton, the purpose of the review is to guide the actions of political parties as they go about various activities, outline acceptable and non-acceptable actions by parties, candidates and their agents, as well as to facilitate conditions conducive to the conduct of free, fair and democratic elections within a climate of tolerance in which political activities may take place without fear of threats, intimidation or revenge. He urged party representatives to critically look at and discuss the code in depth, and make meaningful contributions, which will serve as a foundation for accelerated growth, noting that political parties are the lifeline of a nation, which is bigger than any individual or political party. Justice Hamilton appealed to party leaders to encourage its membership to go for their Identity cards, at the respective location in their communities when the distribution starts on the 25th of November.
Commissioner, National Electoral Commission, N’fa Alie Conteh, assured party representatives that both the PPRC and NEC will carry out its activities according to the rules and regulations of the two institutions, and the time scheduled for the electoral calendar. He said reviewing the code of conduct is very important, as it will guide political parties and their membership, irrespective of party affiliation and ideology. “There are challenges, but collectively all must try to overcome the hurdles to avoid violence in elections”. Commissioner Conteh informed participants that the security sector is also part of the planning process for the multi-tier elections.
The Country Director of the UNDP, Samuel Doe stated, “Sierra Leone is at a cross roads and it is the responsibility of the leadership of political parties to demonstrate true leadership based on principles to end violence and political intolerance.” He added that violence is the exercise of intolerance by an individual or a group opposed to the ideas of others. “Sierra Leone has a rich history of religious and social tolerance, so why this can’t be replicated and demonstrated in the contest of politics”. Doe noted that the review of the code of conduct will set the path of dialogue between political parties to disagree to agree, where opportunity be given the chance of equal representation, which is the certainty of life and dignity of a person.
The acting registrar PPRC, Zainab Moseray, made an 11-point presentation of the reviewed code of conduct of 2017. Participants looked at the 11-point code of conduct which include, compliance with the code, compliance with electoral laws, rights of parties and candidates, the silence in the hall break when it came to intimidation and violence, as well as cooperation with the electoral commission. Communication and monitoring adherence to the code as well as public and collective subscription to the code was examined.
AC/15/11/17
By Ade Campbell
Thursday November 16, 2017.