Peace is the bedrock of democracy. Democracy thrives where there is a peaceful co-existence between the government and the people and among ethnic groups.

As Sierra Leone is heading for another presidential, parliamentary and local council election ahead of June 24th, there should be peace between and among citizens in supporting their different political parties. Peace should be tolerant before, during and after the polling day to maintain the country’s fragile democracy.

The Presidential candidates for the two old traditional parties, the SLPP and APC should come out and preach peace to their party members, loyalists and supporters by letting them know that elections are not war but a democratic principle to elect their leaders for development.

Dr. Samura Kamara and incumbent President Bio should have a peace tour in the four corners of the country to let their supporters know that election is not time for violence, bullying and political intimidation but a time to seek redress for the nation’s development.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) together with the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) should create a level playing for all political parties in ensuring that they conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election to restore peace in the nation. The Office of National Security (ONS) should regulate the security sector in ensuring that they maintain neutrality and independence. And the Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in collaboration with CSOs on peace should embark on a robust sensitization by engaging stakeholders and community leaders on non-violent free election ahead of June 24th.

Furthermore, as PPRC is set to blow the campaign whistle, candidates of political parties should not promote or tolerate hate speech during campaign periods or either involve in political mockery during rallies and campaigns. The PPRC should make sure that no two political party rallies the same day or hold town hall meetings at the same district, village and community to avoid all forms of political violence and ensure that peace reign.

The Chairman and Leader of both SLPP and APC should not tolerate militant groups like the ‘SLPP Soja team’ and the ‘APC task force’ within the structure of their parties to allay fear of bullying and torture by the masses. Because it is believed that these militant groups are mostly responsible for the violence during electioneering period.

Political offices should not be attacked during and after election as a form of retaliation by members and supporters of either the opposition or the ruling party.

Moreover, Mr. Bio and Mr. Samura Kamara should be sincere to their pledges signed at the Bintumani conference centre on past Thursday to maintain peace and national cohesion ahead of June 24th polls.