Community leaders in Ajuri County have been urged to play an active role in maintaining peace and order ahead of the parliamentary poll re-run scheduled for Wednesday.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Alebtong, Mathias Lutwama, said local leaders, elders and opinion shapers have a responsibility to guide residents towards peaceful participation in the re-run ordered by the Electoral Commission.
The re-run, directed under Section 12(1)(a) of the Electoral Commission Act, will be conducted in 18 polling stations located in Awei Sub-county and Abako Parish, following irregularities recorded during the earlier election.
Lutwama said while security agencies will be present, community leadership remains critical in preventing tension, misinformation and voter suppression.
“Peaceful elections start with responsible leadership at the community level. Local leaders must discourage rumours, violence and unlawful mobilisation,” Lutwama said.
He noted that attempts by some individuals to discourage voters from participating undermine democratic values and threaten social harmony within the district.
Lutwama called on village chairpersons, religious leaders and cultural leaders to mobilise residents to turn up peacefully, respect electoral officials and accept the outcome of the process.
He added that the state will take action against anyone found inciting violence or obstructing the electoral exercise, regardless of their status.
The Deputy RDC said the re-run offers the affected communities an opportunity to restore confidence in the electoral process through calm and lawful participation.
The Ajuri County parliamentary poll re-run will be limited to the affected polling stations, with results elsewhere in the constituency remaining unaffected.
About the Author
