Monrovia: A group under the banner, “Catholic Lawyers Association of Liberia” has joined many voices denouncing violence and admonishing Liberians specifically Catholics, to engage the electoral process with peace and civility.
The Lawyers of the religious group believe, engaging and participating in the ensuing elections with the spirit of oneness, is not only a civic duty but also in adherence and respect to the Constitutional provisions as provided for in Articles 1, 77 and 83 of the organic law of Liberia (the 1986 Constitution).
“The Association calls on all political actors and the general public to refrain from any actions and statements including threats or jabs that would create tension, uneasiness or impede the peace of the nation.
Making specific reference to the incident in Foya district, Lofa County on September 29, 2023 that reportedly left two persons dead and several injured, the group said, it is “extremely alarming” and called for all legal and expedient measures to be put in place, not just to prevent the recurrence of such incident, but also to ensure those responsible for the mayhem be made to face the full weight of the law.
A press quotes the group as saying, “We therefore call on all Liberians to jealously protect the peace, refrain from all forms of violence and respect the rule of law during these elections processes”.
“Everyone must standup against hate-speeches, threats and all acts that would derail the peace and plunge the country into another round of conflict. Particular attention is drawn to advertent or inadvertent actions and/or inactions of the National Elections Commission in the execution of its statutory responsibility that could raise unnecessary suspicion and distrust in certain quarters”, a Wednesday, October 4th press statement quotes the national coordinator of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Cllr. Darryl Ambrose Nmah.
The Association believes those in charge of the electoral process are individuals with high moral standards and they would do nothing to diminish the trust which have been reposed in them.
