The SLPP, PMDC, PLP, UNPP and NDA boycotted a five-day public debate in which parliamentary aspirants were expected to present their manifestos to the Makeni electorate.
The session, which was organized by the Civil Society in the township, was boycotted on its first day.
According to our Makeni correspondent, no official reason has yet been advanced for their non-appearance.
However, in his opening remarks, the chairman Alfred Alex Kamara aka ‘Kapotho’ welcomed both the APC and CPP aspirants for honouring the invitation to sell out their manifestoes to the people.
He described the occasion as “a historic family gathering”, and noted that after a year in office they [parliamentary aspirants] would be called upon to account for what they had promised.
Mr Kamara commended the people of that northern city for demonstrating political maturity, but cautioned them to observe the ground rules of listening, clapping and asking few questions which must not be attacking personalities but issues.
In his statement, a representative from the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Mr Cole warned supporters not to wear party colours on polling day or carrying bottles during rallies or destroy posters and banners of opponents.
Contributing at the opening session, Mayor Andrew Kanu commended the people of Makeni for being the most democratic people in the country because of their political tolerance since political campaigns were green-lighted.
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