The National Elections Commission (NEC) has warned Liberians against electoral violence, mainly the tearing down of campaign materials of candidates, whether presidential and legislative, warning them to desist because it has the potential of being translated to the ballot box.
NEC’s Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, told the media yesterday in Monrovia that Liberians must desist from tearing down campaign materials like banners and posters of candidates, so as not to be translated to the ballot on Tuesday, October 10, which could cause lots of spoiled ballots.
She said, among many things, if Liberians do not stop or desist from such behavior and it continues to the ballot, the Commission shall not be held accountable for spoiled ballots, because not liking a candidate does not give anybody the right to spoil their banners or posters.
Browne-Lansanah pointed out that the plucking out of candidates’ eyes on their photos is totally unnecessary, citing that a lot of money was spent on those materials, so they shouldn’t be destroyed because of political differences.
This is the Commission’s first reaction and it comes following reports from the villages, towns, and communities in the counties, of the widespread destruction of campaign materials belonging to candidates, whether from political parties or independent camps, by some unscrupulous individuals.
The tearing down of banners and posters of various candidates, whether presidential and legislative, during this campaigning period for the Tuesday, October 10 polls, has the propensity to ignite electoral violence. If not strongly kicked against now, it could get too late.
The report said these ugly behaviors are been carried out by some Liberians in places like in Grand Kru, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Bong, Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and elsewhere in the country, as campaign for the early October polls is in full swing.
Early last month (August), in Foya District, Lofa County police reportedly arrested one person and placed him in custody, awaiting to be arraigned in court Monday, August 21, for his alleged involvement in tearing down campaign materials said to belong to some political parties, including the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), which may have amounted to provocation and stirring-up of electoral violence.
According to the state-owned broadcaster (ELBC), the arrest came after a lady, only identified as Fanta, believed to be an owner or operator of an entertainment center in Foya lodged a formal complaint with the police against the accused also identified Kolubah for allegedly tearing down some posters or banners said to be that of the CDC from the wall at her place in the town.
The incident, which occurred on August 16, is said to have claimed the attention of local authorities in Foya District, Lofa County, who condemned same as an act of provocation, which has the potential of stirring up electoral violence if a deterrent is not set on those found guilty, following investigation into the matter.
Also, this week in Sassatown, Grand Kru County, one person was arrested for tearing down of banners and posters and is under police probe, having been accused of vandalism.
In Bong, Grand Bassa, and Nimba Counties, Candidates, Johnny Kpehe, Janjay Baikpeh, and Musa Bility, complained to NEC’s local Magistrates in their respective counties of the continued destruction of their campaign materials like banners and posters.
