Calls On NEC And Others “To Continue To Execute Their Mandate In Neutrality”
PHOTO: Amb. Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Ambassador to Liberia
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed serious concern about the ramping up of “incendiary rhetoric” by Liberian political actors, as the October 10 presidential and legislative elections draw nearer.
ECOWAS, which brokered the peace process that officially ended Liberia’s 14 years of civil was in 2023, over the weekend issued a seven-count statement calling on Liberian political actors to stop using “incendiary rhetoric” that could incite violence and undermine the country’s peace and stability.
Below is full text of the ECOWAS Statement:
ECOWAS URGES POLITICAL ACTORS TO REFRAIN FROM INFLAMMING TENSIONS
In the run up to the October 10 Elections, ECOWAS has observed with great concern the creeping tendency for some political leaders and activists to resort to the use of incendiary rhetoric that could stir violent emotions, incite disturbances and jeopardize the peace and stability of Liberia.
1. ECOWAS condemns in no uncertain terms such inflammatory statements that have the propensity to trigger violent confrontations.
2. Political actors are urged to use dialogue and mediation to address grievances and legal channels to seek redress to such concerns. We continue to reiterate the importance of fostering an issues-based campaign devoid of vituperative language.
5. We call on all state institutions with roles to play in the electoral process to continue to execute their mandates in neutrality, providing a level playing field for all stakeholders to exercise their constitutional rights with respect to the rule of law.
6. ECOWAS reminds all actors that the provisions of the Farmington River Declaration are in force and cardinal to the conduct of all political actors to safeguard the electoral process.
7. The ECOWAS Commission and its long-term observers currently in Liberia remain vigilant in assessing the political ecosystem in the run up to elections and affirms its continued support to a peaceful and successful presidential and general election.