By Ishmael Dumbuya
The leadership of the two dominant parties- the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), have both condemned the destruction of political parties’ billboards placed in the streets of Freetown and other parts of the country.
The said action is creating some tensions as the June general elections.
In an interview with this medium, the Deputy Publicity Secretary for the APC, Mohamed Pope Kamara condemned the act, noting that the destruction of billboards doesn’t score a political goal.
He noted that the destruction of political billboards across the country totally undermines the peaceful co-existence Sierra Leone has been enjoying over the decades, thereby creating political tensions in the country.
He added that the said action threatens the democratic processes in the country.
The deputy publicity Secretary warned all Sierra Leoneans against the destruction of their billboards as they will take all legal actions against those found guilty of destroying their billboards.
On his part, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, the National Secretary-General of the SLPP stated that they know the ones destroying those billboards but promised a robust legal action, if anyone is caught.
He added that some people have been arrested and charged to court as a result of the act, stating that the perpetuators are the ones who do not want to witness the peace and stability of the country.
He ended on the note that billboards are meant to boost and sell candidates vying for different offices in the country, and that the law will deal with anyone who tries to stop the purposes of it by destroying them.
He noted that they have made series of complaints regarding the issue, even to the Political Parties Registration Commission, PPRC.
Sierra Leone has experienced 11 years continuous civil strife, leading to widespread destruction of lives and property, an experience which many Sierra Leoneans would not want to go through again.
Meanwhile, the two main contenders of the June presidential elections-incumbent President Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP and Dr.Samura Kamara of the APC have both condemned violence of any nature and called on their supporters to be peaceful before, during and after elections.
