16 November 2009
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) with support from the ECOWAS Small Arms Programme (ECOSAP) and UNDP Community Security and Social Cohesion has concluded a week-long massive sensitization and awareness campaign against Electoral Violence from 3 - 10 November 2009.
LiNCSA release read: "The Commission deemed it necessary to implement this very important massive sensitization against electoral violence alongside the just ended political campaigns because many see this election as a trial balloon for the Presidential and Legislative elections scheduled for 2011and as such, it is seen as potentially explosive and conflictual.
"The awareness campaign was launched on 3 November in the Conference room of the Commission with several members of the press present at the program.
At the launched, members of the Commission urged the general public to carry out a by-election free of violence and to also help campaign against the use of illicit small arms and light weapons in their communities. The launched was aired on several televisions and radio stations.
"During the week-long campaign, the Commission held meetings with leaders of political parties leaders, as well as Communities leaders. The aim was to discuss ways to educate residents of various communities and partisans of political parties on the importance of an election free of violence.
Posters, fliers, banners and t-shirts with anti-electoral violence messages were also used during the campaign to educate the public. Anti-Electoral Violence messages were also aired and scrolled on several radio and television stations some of the massages read: Ballots not Bullets, Stop Electoral Violence, Your Voice is the Ballot not Bullets etc.
"The awareness campaign was a huge success with little or no violence reported at polling centers. LiNCSA is therefore thanking the Senatorial Aspirants, voters and general public for carrying out an election free of violence.
The Commission also wants to urge the general public to exercise restrain as we look forward to a second round in the Montserrado County By-election set for November 24 according to the National Elections Commission.
"LiNCSA is also calling on the general public to join the fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and report clandestine activities of individuals whom they believe are involved in this impious act to the police or other relevant security institution".
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