VP Sumana launches voter registration in Kono
Vice President Sam Sumana last weekend launched Biometric Voter Registration in the Kono District; Monday 23rd registered as a voter in ward 063 in constituency 21 for the 2012 elections.
Addressing a mammoth crowd vis-à-vis traditional leaders and other stakeholders of society at the Fachima Hall in Koidu Town, the Vice President urged his people to come out in their numbers and register as that will help determine who their next leader will be.
He expressed delight to join his Kono brothers and sisters witness such a historic occasion that will certainly change the old system of voting thus from the use of marbles, later to I.D. cards and now the Biometric Registration system.
“The biometric system will adequately address problems encountered during past general and Presidential elections; such as multiple voting,” the Vice President said.
He warned the electorates to desist from all forms of malpractice during the registration exercise and said anyone caught violating the law will surely face penalty irrespective of belonging.
Vice President Sumana expressed the need for the people of Kono to adhere to the principles of democracy and emulate the good examples set by President Ernest Bai Koroma, whom he referred to as the architect that has placed the country on a good road to democratic values.
He said to register as a voter is not a difficult task, but that the exercise only demands commitment and that anyone who fails to register should not consider his or herself a Sierra Leonean.
He called on the traditional leaders, the transport sector and religious leaders to urge their subjects to register.
The essence of voting, he noted, is to ensure accountability and transparency in the electioneering processes.
“Sierra Leone is one of the few countries that have attained independence in a peaceful manner. Countries such as South Africa, others etc., got their independence under hard struggle,” he noted.
Amidst cheers from the crowd, the Vice President declared that come 17th November, Kono will demonstrate what he called “wan tem krach” as President Koroma has certainly put in place the mechanisms that enhance development, his agenda for change, behavioural and the open Government Initiative, among others.
The Vice President appealed to his Kono people that come November 2012, he expects to see them demonstrate to the whole country and the world that they live by the rule of law and not violence.
The Chairman Council of Paramount Chiefs, Sheku Tejan Fasuluku said Kono people can only make decision through the ballot box, and until they register they will surely not be able to dispense their franchise.
The Co-coordinator Office of National Security in Kono, Mohamed Bangura referred to National Political elections as magnetic as it draws the attention of not only a country but the world at large.
Mohamed Bangura underscored the importance of the role of the security sector during the Election and called on the various security institutions to show professionalism and maintain nationalism in the execution of their duties.
The senior District officer, Moses Gbetu condemned people who make negative and false reports with a view to blackmail others.
The new technology introduced by NEC, he noted, will discourage duplication and forgery of voter’s registration I.D. Cards.
The only APC Parliamentarians in Kono District, Augustine Tortor said their mandate as Parliamentarians can only be renewed if the Electorates register overwhelmingly.
The Kono District Council Chairperson Diana Konomanyi expressed delight to see the Vice President launch the Biometric Registration.
She lauded efforts of the Chiefs and said they are the people who determine governance at the local level.
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