Prominent attorney, Basita Michael has urged the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to quickly resolve the issue of the Voter Register without further delay as it is very important.

The learned Lawyer made the said statement on her Facebook Page while sharing her thoughts about the contentious issue.

Her statement reads as follows:

“Let us be clear,the controversy over the voter register which has further attracted doubts over the credibility integrity and professionalism of the ECSL, plus allegations and counter allegations of threats of violence intimidation and incitements are all certainly not steps towards the aspiration and pledge for a free fair and peaceful elections. Respectfully, for the SLPP to earn itself a dignified second term or for the APC to win these elections on merits, it must be on the basis of allowing citizens to choose freely without fear or favour, the Party they believe hold the most workable solutions to their problems.

To achieve this it is imperative that while both
sides adhere to the electoral campaign timetable, equal access is granted to all regions and constituencies. Furthermore it is of utmost importance that candidates of all political parties unequivocally condemn videos or any form of communication that threatens harm or incites violence against any political party, candidate, or voter. The issue of the voter register is also very important. At this critical moment the ECSL must be above suspicion and what a better way to do so than by being transparent and resolve the voter register problem without further delay.

It’s beautiful to see thousands of citizens both in green and red rally around the candidates of their political parties singing and dancing in hope and jubilation. That is the spirit of democracy and it is more of that citizens want to see and experience.

We have been the envy of the region for holding democratic Peaceful elections.We must do all we can to sustain that hard won reputation.Like many Sierra Leoneans who have faith in our country,I trust that in the journey leading to the elections and after,our Leaders,the Sierra Leone Police,PPRC, ECSL, the Judiciary, civil society, citizens and all stakeholders will collectively strive to protect that hard won reputation and refuse to allow the struggle for power be at the expense of the lives of citizens,the principles of democracy and rule of law.”