Chief Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has called on all candidates and supporters across the country to respect each other during the campaign period and not incite violence and trouble.
“Elections are meant to be free and fair where citizens get the opportunity to choose their leader. There are rivalries in any contest whether it be politics or sports and we must always respect the rules of the game,” said Sinai.
Commissioner Sinai made these comments following reports of an incident that happened on Friday 27 May, 2022, in Okapa Eastern Highlands Province, where there was a clash between the supporters of sitting MP Saki Soloma and the public which resulted in burning down the convoy of vehicles belonging to the local MP.
“I appeal to all citizens to respect one another during the campaign period. Candidates must use the time and opportunity to spell out your policies and voters must listen to their policy statements that would assist in making informed choices and decisions when casting your vote.
“No one should take things personal and incite trouble just because you don’t like certain personalities or groups of people.”
Sinai added, “This is a democratic country and let’s be mature and responsible in our thinking and have respect for others in the way we conduct ourselves.”
Sinai encouraged that all citizens be civilized and do things the right way. He said the only way to show dissent is in the ballot box and not by use of force and intimidation.
“If you don’t like a candidate, you have that opportunity now to make your choice and not by confrontation.”
The Commissioner further warned those individuals going around destroying candidate posters and election banners put up by political parties and candidates that such acts constitute an electoral offence and individuals can be arrested and fined or jailed once they are caught.
“I urge all citizens to respect campaign posters and electoral materials put up by political parties and candidates and stop pulling them down or burn them. It is an electoral offence and is anyone is caught engaged in such illegal acts, they can be arrested and fined or imprisoned for two years,” said Sinai.