IRCSL Launches Declaration on Non-Violent Election
The Inter Religious Council Sierra Leone, (IRCSL) on Wednesday 28th November, 2017 launches their six (6) page declaration document on credible, free, fair and non-violent elections at their Headquarters, Kingharman road, Freetown.
The document talks about God raises leaders, upholding and promoting national values, creating a peaceful and democratic environment, citizen’s participation, political tolerance, The right attitude of politicians and activities of political parties, activities of political parties in concert with electoral legal framework, having credible electoral management bodies, favorable media landscape, Disciplined security, promoting Women’s participation in Election, denouncing election violence and electoral fraud, Religious Leaders rules to Demonstrate political self-discipline throughout the electioneering period and traditional leaders to demonstrate political self- discipline throughout the electioneering period.
As religious bodies, they are of the view that leadership is God’s /Allah’s idea for humans. The declaration continued that human leadership was instituted in the Garden of Eden when the care of the Garden was placed into the hands of Adam and Eve stressing that throughout history, God raised men and women to positions of leadership to serve as his deputies.
Under the sub- heading Creating a Peaceful and Democratic Elections, the document pointed that elections is always a struggle to gain power, in a democracy the six page document outlined that it should be carried out in a peaceful and non-violent environment in order that the results may be credible and acceptable which requires the action of different actors.
Inter Religious Council Sierra Leone (IRC-SL) Non Violent Declaration furthered that the election process gives the citizenry the right to elect their preferred political leaders but sad to note that across Africa, the electoral process has often been marred by violence, thereby threatening the electoral process and undermining national security, peace and development.
Pointing out the expectation of religious leaders/ rulers, the declaration called on them to demonstrate political self-discipline throughout the process owing to the fact that they command respect among their congregations, possess tremendous legitimacy, credibility and authority because they are regarded as social mentors that help to promote family cohesion and community unity as many a times the ordinary people turn to them for guidance.
By Donstance Koroma
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2017, https:. All rights reserved.
