Preventing Election Tensions: International Institutions Call for Restraint in Liberia

2023-10-07 00:01:08

A few days before the general elections (senatorial, parliamentary and presidential) in Liberia, scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, several international institutions are playing the card of appeasement and prevention. A joint United Nations and ECOWAS mission calls on political leaders to exercise restraint, in order to avoid tensions at the time of the vote and especially when the results are announced.

Published on: 07/10/2023 – 02:01

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With our special correspondent in Monrovia, Bineta Diagne

First point of observation: preparations for the vote. According to the ECOWAS observation mission, last July, the National Elections Commission did not inspire confidence among voters. But since then, corrections have been made, notes this mission. Second point: the attitude of political leaders, which for some, arouses a certain concern. Discussions were held with the main candidates to ease tensions.

« We have noted incidents of speech inciting violence. During our meetings, we called for moderation, says Prof. Attahiru Jega, head of the ECOWAS observation mission. We asked political leaders to respect their commitments to be peaceful, to adopt a constructive approach and to respect electoral procedures. We asked them to ensure their supporters do the same. »

This mission also met with the police forces, who increased their numbers to ensure security on the sidelines of this election.

Alongside the UN, ECOWAS is calling for the opening of an investigation into the violence that occurred in Lofa County last week.

Also read: “Liberians felt that George Weah betrayed them”

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