Elections: Liberian political parties decry use of Nigerian anti-riot police

Elections: Liberian political parties decry use of Nigerian anti-riot police

Liberian political parties have frowned at the intended use of Nigerian anti-riot policemen to monitor the presidential and legislative elections slated for Oct. 11, 2011.

A communiqué issued on Saturday in Monrovia by two of the political parties, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), said using foreign security men was illegal.

Beefing up security

Four West African countries, namely Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Ghana, had asked to help in beefing up security during the elections. 

“The Liberian President’s attempt to import Nigerian soldiers into the country under the pretext of preventing violence during the forthcoming elections is not only illegal and provocative,’’ the communiqué said.

It had added that the move signaled “a not-so-hidden agenda by the President and her party to intimidate the opposition parties and our people’’.

Referendum

The parties said the move was intended to entrench President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in power even at the cost of peace and stability in the country.

They alleged that the President and her party had been the perpetrators of numerous acts of violence and fraud during the voters’ registration campaign.

The parties added that Johnson-Sirleaf and her party had also done this during the recently-held referendum, which was so well documented by the Liberian Democratic Initiative.

Vigilant and peaceful

They urged that the friendship shown by Nigeria to the Liberian people, particularly during its civil conflict, should not be abused by the Liberian government.

“The Liberian government is trying to do this by attempting to enlist soldiers of Nigeria as state mercenaries to prop up a failed and corrupt regime,’’ the parties said.

They however urged Liberians to remain vigilant and peaceful during the elections, promising that Johnson-Sirleaf of the Unity Party would be defeated at the polls.

You would recall that the Nigerian government had donated 10 Toyota Double Cabin pick-up vehicles, 30 computers and two giant photocopiers to the Liberian Electoral Commission.

The materials were meant to support the country’s elections.

Meanwhile, UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has expressed the hope that the Liberian presidential election scheduled for Oct. 11, would run smoothly even as it raised security alert.

A UN memo issued on Saturday by the Special Representative of the Secretary General Ellen Loj, said all UN  missions to Liberia had been stopped by the UN Department of Safety and Security in New York from Oct. 7.

According to the memo, made available to the media, UN missions would resume only after Oct. 30.

Cash and medication

“Non election related UN activities are to be scaled back from Oct. 7 to Oct. 30. The resumption of normal activities will depend on the security situation.

"This measure will allow UN staff time to travel before the election-day, if needed. It will also allow pre-positioning of food and non food items for humanitarian agencies as needed.

"Non essential staff due for leave are to be encouraged to take leave during the period. The purpose of this is to reduce the number of non essential international staff in the country.

"Only essential staff should be at work on election-day. Non essential staff are requested to work from home on election-day and possibly beyond, depending on the security situation.''

The memo urged UN staff to have their bags and their passports ready, sufficient amount of cash and medication.

NAN/Iheanacho