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Momodou
Denmark
11744 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Jan 2007 : 15:45:15
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Foroyaa Editorial:
SEPERATION OF POWERS IEC AND THE ARREST OF A CANDIDATE
The news that the UDP candidate for Bakau is under arrest few days after his nomination has raised the question of the role of the IEC in matters of security during the period for the holding of elections.
It is common sense that the IEC should protect all candidates to ensure free and fair elections. In order to do so, the IEC should implement the provision of Section 129 (1) of the Elections Decree. It reads: “The Inspector General of Police shall, on the request of the Commission, assign to the Commission such number of police officers as the Commission may require during the period of registration of voters and the conduct of election.”
In our view, once a candidate is nominated he or she should be under the protection of the IEC. No arrest of the candidate should take place without consultation with the IEC. The IEC must be given tangible evidence to justify arrest.
It is therefore necessary for the country to turn a new page. Detention without trial for more than 72 hours is unacceptable. It is unconstitutional. The more fundamental rights and freedom are trampled under foot the more the rule of law is also negated. We hope the IEC will do its best to protect candidates and their agents. This is the only way to guarantee that there is free and fair election.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 004/2007, 3-4 January, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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