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‘Ensure their safety’ - election monitoring organizations write to IGP
Aug 13, 201403:04 PM
The leading election monitoring organizations has requested the party leaders, secretaries and the IGP to take appropriate action to prevent violations of election law and ensure the safety of election officials.
The request has been made, in a joint open letter by the main election monitoring groups, Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV,) Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).
“As already reported, all Assistant Commissioners of Elections are frustrated and deeply concerned about violations of election laws and in particular of this nature. It is of pivotal importance to ensure their safety and provide them the necessary support to carry out their duties without fear or favour.
We call on you to take all measures to ensure the safety and security of election officials and to issue strict instructions to candidates to desist from any actions, which affect the holding of free and fair elections.
We also urge the IGP that in addition to providing for the security of election officials, he act decisively in respect of the misuse and abuse of public property and state resources as well as of MSD personnel and vehicles. The appointment of unbiased and professional police officers is of particular importance in areas such as Mahiyanganaya. Furthermore, MSD personnel should be directed to wear their police uniforms at all times when on duty during elections,” the letter says.
