*Citizens Bureau for Development and Productivity / Liberia National Police
Press-Release (issued in Monrovia as of August 1, 2017)
As the 2017 Presidential and Representative elections campaigning officially declared open by the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Citizens Bureau for Development and Productivity (CBDP) is calling upon aspirants and supporters to conduct campaign activities in a style and fashion that promote tolerance and respect for the Rule of Law.
As Liberia and its partners consolidate peace and democratic progress, it is very important to encourage all of us to refrain from violent behaviors which threaten the peacefulness of our Country; otherwise instigators and perpetrators should be held accountable.
Given this point of view, we condemn violent behaviors and value dialogue and non-violent approaches over violent confrontations during the 2017 elections period. The young people constituting the bulk of our population we want to especially call upon them not to accept violence as an answer no matter its source, and toward this end, we encourage free and fair elections for a just and credible election result.
Having said so, the members and executives of the Citizens Bureau for Development and Productivity are challenging our political leaders, the National Elections Commission, Rule of Law institutions, Non Governmental Organizations, influential individuals and all Liberians and residents in its borders to use their resources, skills and talents in positive ways that promote justice and fairness so as to ensure sustainable peace and democratic progress.
Caveat:
1. Stop attacking personality and tell the electorates what you will do or have done
2. Stop tearing down postal or placards of other political parties on ground that you do not belong to them
3. All political groups should avoid meeting at the same particular place and time when addressing electorates
Sincerely,
John W. Kamma
Executive Director
About Citizens Bureau
Toward a just and a fair Liberian society, the Citizens Bureau for Development and Productivity (with origin from the Restructuring and Reform exercises of the New Liberia National Police, with no formal connection to the Liberia National Police), has as its Mission: “To eradicate poverty, promote Police-citizens relation and Mediation in Liberia”. Since 2013 we have embarked upon community Justice Initiative aimed at advancing the needs for justice and fairness amongst community residents and all Liberians. The goal is to resolve conflict in a fair and just manner deemed satisfactory to the parties in a country where most people cannot afford to settle disputes through the formal justice system.
