Press Release
Statement of the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General in Sierra Leone at the Opening of the National Youth Dialogue Conference, 26 JULY 2007.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to be asked by the Centre for Coordination of Youth Activity (CCYA) to make a statement at the opening of the National Youth Dialogue Conference.
My sincere thanks to the CCYA for organizing this very timely conference, which will focus on non-violence, conflict resolution and other critical aspects concerning the forthcoming elections. I have no doubt that it would contribute to a conducive political environment for the holding of the elections.
The elections, which are the second, since the end of the conflict, constitute an important phase in the consolidation of peace and security in Sierra Leone. It would therefore be paradoxical, to say the least, if political violence were to dominate or impede their success.
I should use this opportunity to restate, as we approach the elections, that the United Nations and its international partners will support all efforts to ensure that the elections are transparent, credible and free of any forms of violence. The support of the political parties, civil society, the media and all segments of the Sierra Leone society, particularly its youths, in achieving this goal is necessary.
As is well known from the very successful voter registration exercise concluded by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), a large number of the persons who have registered to vote are young persons. Of an estimated population of 5 million, 2.6 million have registered to vote in the elections. It is significant that 23% of these registered voters are between the ages of 18 -23; 17% fall within the ages of 23 to 27; 15% are between 28 and 32 while 11% are between 33 and 37. From these figures, 40% of the registered voters are under age of 27.
As against this background, young people, who, as is often said, are the future, will have an enormous influence on the outcome of the elections. It is appropriate to use this forum to call on the young persons to contribute meaningfully to the electoral process by ensuring that they vote and very importantly by not allowing themselves to be manipulated by anybody.
I urge all youths to avoid all forms of conduct that could result in a breach of the peace or a
breakdown of law and order.
In (the)same vein, I appeal to all political parties to continue to abide by the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and avoid any inflammatory or provocative remarks that could lead to disturbances. You must all be aware of recent incidents of political violence. Continued occurrences of this nature are without doubt most unhelpful for the elections and I would like to use this forum to request political parties to dissociate themselves from all forms of political violence. The political leaders have a special responsibility and should guide their supporters.
As I have mentioned, civil society has a crucial role to play in ensuring a credible election. Civil society organizations and political parties deploy observers and agents to all polling and counting stations. These observers, short or long-term, will add credibility as well as underline the transparent nature of the elections. The media must also vigorously promote the message of non-violence and adhere to the Code of Conduct for Journalists.
I will conclude by inviting the youths and indeed all Sierra Leoneans to give their full commitment to achieving a successful, non-violent and fraud-free election. Sweet Salone deserves no less.
Photo: The Executive Representative of the UN Secretary General in Sierra Leone, Victor Angelo, addressing musicians recently in Freetown.
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