The All Peoples Congress (APC)
Party is seriously disturbed about the unfolding ugly events and
dangerous government actions concerning the Paramount Chieftaincy
elections in Biriwa Chiefdom, Bombali District in the Northern Province.
The APC Party
Leadership views with grave concern, conflicting Press Statements from
State Lodge and the National Electoral Commission as to who has
authority to conduct Paramount Chieftaincy Elections.
With utter
contempt for the National Electoral Commission (NEC) the body that has
constitutional mandate to conduct all Public Elections, the SLPP
Government conducted the Biriwa Paramount Chieftaincy Election in a
market place instead of the Local Court Barray, with high handedness and
in an undemocratic manner. In that process, serious human rights abuses
were committed by OSD personnel who shot tear gas causing fear and panic
among common citizens, mostly women. In the midst of this confusion,
many people sustained serious injuries.
The APC is
disheartened to learn that in the midst of this panic, the election was
manipulated using only 132 Chiefdom Councillors who were transported
from Karena town in police vehicles out of a total number of 473
Councillors. With further contempt for the recognized principle of 55%
of Chiefdom Councillors for the election of a Paramount Chief, the SLPP
government has imposed a Paramount Chief on the people of Biriwa, with
only 29% per cent of the total number of Councillors.
The APC
strongly condemns this blatant action of the SLPP government which
depicts stark display of arrogance in governance at a time our nation is
supposed to be on the path of good governance.
The APC also
disagrees with the aspect of the State Lodge Press Release which
arrogates to government, responsibility for the conduct of Paramount
Chieftaincy elections thereby usurping the powers of the National
Electoral Commission.
The APC views
such usurpation as unconstitutional, undemocratic, unwarranted,
dangerous and a serious threat to the peace and stability of the
country.
The APC
therefore calls upon all stakeholders including Political Parties, Civil
Society and the International Community to resist this ugly beginning of
meddling into the conduct of elections by the SLPP government.
The APC
strongly supports the Chairperson of NEC for upholding the provisions of
the Law and honourably resisting to yield to pressure from State Lodge.
Signed: (Victor
Bockarie Foh)
National Secretary General.
