PPRC raps election stakeholders today

PPRC Registrar, Ibrahim John

In collaboration with the United Nation Peace Building Office (UNIPSIL) the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) will today kick start a two day stakeholders’ conference at the Bintumani Hotel, at Aberdeen in Freetown.

The conference will target leaders of political parties, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), youth organizations, Paramount Chiefs, Journalists, civil society organizations and a host of other relevant stakeholders in the electoral process in the country.

Addressing newsmen yesterday at the PPRC head office at State Avenue in Freetown, the PPRC Registrar, Mr. Abraham John, noted that the conference would look at the adherence to the code of conduct and prevention of violence; the role of the Sierra Leone Police and other law enforcement agencies; the role of the electoral management bodies, the media and the traditional leaders in fostering an enabling environment for elections and the enhancement of the participation of women in the November 17 multi tier elections.

Mr. John disclosed that the participants will develop and sign a declaration that will enhance peaceful and free and fair elections in November, adding that they are going to ensure that they rally behind all stakeholders involved to take the declaration seriously and adhere to their undertaking.

He also explained that the conference is part of their efforts as a Commission and its partners in preparing a conducive environment that is free from fear, incitement, intimidation and violence at all stages of the electoral process.

He also revealed that the conference will help bring together representatives of ten political parties, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Sierra Leone Police, and other major stakeholders in the political landscape of the country, to air out their public declaration that they will work to ensure free, fair and non violent elections on November 17 this year.

He also used the forum as an opportunity to call on the stakeholders to attend the conference and be punctual as they are expecting to hear statements and commitments from political leaders, the Police and others, including President Ernest Bai Koroma.