The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has called on the leadership of APC’s Interim Transition Governing Committee (ITGC) to urge supporters and contestants for the various positions in their Lower Level Elections to conduct themselves within the provisions of the laws of the country.

SLP made this call in a statement issued on Wednesday 28 December 2022, following reports of violence in the build-up to the elections in some parts of the country.

“The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has followed with keen interest, developments in the ongoing lower level elections being held by the All Peoples Congress (APC) across the country. Reports filtering into the system have indicated that violence seems to have loomed large in the build-up to the elections in some parts of the country,” the Police stated.

SLP noted that a couple of weeks ago, a vehicle belonging to Honourable Alusine Marrah of the APC was set ablaze by irate youths in Mongo Bendugu, Falaba District, adding that they are investigating the matter.

“Also in Port Loko City, in the early hours of Wednesday 28th December, 2022, a school bus with Registration Number AKM 724 that was parked adjacent the Port Loko Police Station was burnt down by roaming youths. Initial report indicates that the bus in question belongs to a private school (Amazonian Bi-Lingual School) owned by one Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay (former Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs). Reports of similar incidents of violence and attacks against intra-party opponents have also been received from Kono District,” they added.

“Referencing the aforementioned, the SLP wishes to bring to the attention of the leadership of the Interim Transitional Governance Committee (ITGC) of the APC that these sorts of intra- party squabbles are neither healthy for the party nor are they in the interest of national security. The leadership of the ITGC is therefore encouraged to urge supporters and contestants for the various positions to conduct themselves within the provisions of the laws of the country.”

The SLP however assured that they will continue to provide the necessary security for the conduct of the elections.

“Meanwhile, all are warned to refrain from all forms of lawlessness, violence and intimidation as suspects will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone,” they concluded.