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The Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Konneh, has expressed deep concern over the persistent threats against him and his family.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Commission’s conference room on Tower Hill, Mr. Konneh emphasized that the ECSL is not aligned with any political party and called for an end to the abuse and threats aimed at his family and the Commission’s staff.
Mr. Konneh revealed that his family has been subjected to consistent threats from unknown individuals both within the country and abroad.
Despite his previous resolve to avoid meetings with political parties whose supporters engage in personal attacks, the ECSL decided to engage all parties in an effort to encourage them to discourage their supporters from such behavior.
Commissioner Konneh urged the political parties to take responsibility and prevent invectives from being hurled at their opponents’ families.
Expressing his dismay, the ECSL boss highlighted the toll these threats have taken on his children. He recounted how they are questioned by their classmates about the threats, exposing them to unnecessary psychological distress.
He vehemently rejected the notion that such threats are a normal part of the election process, emphasizing that they are deliberate attempts by individuals who do not wish to see the country develop and maintain peaceful coexistence. However, Konneh assured the public that these threats would not deter the ECSL from carrying out its constitutional duty.
In light of the escalating situation, the Commissioner called on all political parties and civil society groups to denounce and condemn the use of abusive and threatening language against fellow citizens, especially ECSL staff members.
He expressed deep concern for the well-being of one staff member who has become afraid to answer phone calls, fearing that each one may be accompanied by further invectives.
The threats against the Chief Electoral Commissioner and his family are an alarming development that raises serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the electoral process in Sierra Leone. The ECSL plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent elections, and any attempt to intimidate or hinder its operations undermines the democratic principles that Sierra Leone upholds. The government and law enforcement agencies must take immediate action to investigate these threats, identify the culprits, and ensure the safety of the Electoral Commissioner, his family, and the entire ECSL staff.
Sierra Leone, a nation known for its commitment to democracy, must not allow such threats and intimidation tactics to prevail. The government, political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens at large must unite to condemn these acts and protect the individuals who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections. The electoral process is a cornerstone of democracy, and the safety and security of those responsible for overseeing it should be of paramount importance to all Sierra Leoneans.
All what we are asking for is for you to do the right thing for all Sierra Leoneans
Mr. Commissioner or whatever you may be called, we want you to know that your predecessors never faced height of threats because they were not one-sided and were doing the right and needful things.
So if you want to avoid such an undesirable situation, Mr. Commissioner, I advice you do the right thing by maintaining neutrality and by promoting free, fear, credible and transparent electioneering path to all political parties.
LONTHA!!!
In public interest and peaceful outcome, the ECSL Chairman and staff are doing an excellent job in preparing for the elections. The threats against him, his family, and staff are indeed from sources who are ignorant of democratic processes and abhorrent to the country’s development. The perpetrators can only belong to the APC opposition whose leadership has vowed to “make the country ungovernable.” Their actions must be condemned in no uncertain terms by all democratic minded and peace loving Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.
Mr konneh try to do the right thing, so that you free from the people. My advice is we need peace in sierra leone allowed the election to be free en fear please please. If mr president work for the people in sierra leone the people will elect him back but if not don’t try to put problem in SL. Konneh I hope you know what is tolerance aaa, God is within you
As long as you do the right thing, you’ll be a free and comfortable man. Feel free to go any part of the country if you conduct free and fair elections without siding any party. You will be hailed and respected at the end of the day.
Mr Konneh don’t let anyone intimidate you. We all know you are doing your best but you can not satisfy everybody. Some people take delight in causing trouble. Confusion is the mantra of some people. Please remain calm and do your work diligently. God is with you and by His grace nothing will happen to you.