GBARNGA — Senator, Edwin Melvin Snowe, has said he’s profoundly grieved to learn about the awful events that occurred Friday, September 29, 2023, in Foya District, Lofa County.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The Bomi County senator said stories of election-related mob violence that resulted in the deaths of at least three innocent people are both surprising and heartbreaking, especially with ten days to Liberia’s presidential and legislative elections.
In the aftermath of such a heinous crime, Senator Snowe said, it is critical that Liberians unite as a society to strongly denounce all parties involved in this brutality.
“Violence has no place in a democratic process, and it undermines the basic foundation of free and fair elections, which Liberia and all nations endeavour to maintain,” he said.
He urged the appropriate authorities to take prompt and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice, adding it is critical that a full and unbiased inquiry be carried out, and that those involved are held accountable for their acts. “To ensure that such incidents do not reoccur in the future, justice must prevail,” he added.
In addition, Senator Snowe urged all political parties and their leaders to honour and uphold the Farmington Peace Declaration. “This dedication to peaceful elections, witnessed by the UN, ECOWAS, and members of the diplomatic community, demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to democracy and stability. Let us remember the ideals of this proclamation and work together to guarantee that elections are held in a peaceful, tolerable, and respectful environment.”
“The moment has come, more than ever, for unity, dialouge, and a collaborative commitment to establishing a peaceful and thriving Liberia. Let us honour the lives lost by ensuring that our democratic process is not disturbed by violence and that the will of the people is conveyed peacefully. We can make Liberia a bright example of democracy and peace in the region if we work together.”
