President Koroma invokes MACP for forthcoming by-elections
Yesterday, 22 February 2010, His Excellency, the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma met with Mr. John Benjamin, Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Mr. Charles Margai (PMDC) at State House. During the meeting, the President expressed grave concern over the unfortunate incidents of political violence that occurred following the recent Tongo Field local government by-election. In particular, he cited the reported importation of non-residents into Tongo Field before and during the election which allegedly provoked the violence and atrocities that disrupted peace and security in the area. This sad occurrence is a blot on our nascent democracy and will certainly not be allowed to happen in other outstanding elections.
As President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, His Excellency, the President, has reaffirmed his commitment to maintain law and order throughout Sierra Leone. The general public is therefore informed that while investigations by the police are ongoing, steps have been taken to ensure that forthcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere. To that end, His Excellency, the President, has invoked the use of Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) for the by-election in the Lugbu Ward Bo District scheduled for Thursday 25th February 2010 and all subsequent by-elections.
All persons who have nothing to do with the conduct of the election as well as non-residents are advised in their own interest to avoid the electoral area. The full force of the law will be brought to bear on any person who is found to be engaged in electoral malpractices and/or acts of political violence that are inimical to the national interest.
You have been warned.
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