By Kruah Thompson
The Namuwa English and Arabic School on Old Road, Sinkor took a dark turn Tuesday, 14 November as voting precinct Code 30078 became a scene of chaos during the Presidential Runoff Election.
The peaceful democratic process took an unexpected turn when violence erupted, leaving voters and election officials shocked. The incident unfolded as voters queued to cast their ballots, anticipating a smooth electoral process.
But as the day progressed, confrontations between rival political supporters escalated, resulting in clashes that disrupted the voting proceedings.
Eyewitnesses reported use of gun, and, in some instances, fists, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment at the polling station.
Mohammed Diallo, an eyewitness on the scene, recounted sequence of events that transpired during the polling.
Diallo narrated that the trouble began when motorcyclists associated with a group named “Capaio Capaio” were touring the district, but upon hearing of their arrival, Montserrado County Dostrict#10 Representative-Elect, Yakeh Kolubah, allegedly sent an emissary to investigate the situation.
In a surprising turn of events, a Sabu Unit team arrived without conducting a thorough investigation and apprehended an individual unrelated to the incident, according to Diallo. The wrong person was taken into custody, leading to a subsequent altercation.
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As the wrongly-accused individual arrived to cast his vote, the Sabu Unit allegedly assaulted and took him away. Diallo emphasized that the team associated with the lawmaker was not targeting innocent individuals but attempting to maintain order in the face of perceived threats.
According to Diallo, the Capaio Capaio group, resembling a “terrorist” presence, originated from Peace Island. Law enforcement officers and NEC security intervened to prevent the group from disrupting the voting process, resulting in clashes.
Junior Sheriff, another witness, described an encounter where he picked up individuals claiming they were heading to the center to vote. Upon arrival, they observed a group chasing them, prompting Sheriff to take evasive action. During the pursuit, one assailant brandished a gun, threatening to open fire if Sheriff attempted to escape. The group then seized Sheriff’s bike.
The unfolding events left the community shaken, with witnesses expressing concern over the unprecedented violence in the district.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the security of future electoral processes in the area.
Mohammed Dulleh, the Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) observer present during the disturbance, expressed dismay, saying, “I never expected to witness violence at a polling station. It’s disheartening that the democratic process has been marred by such incidents.”
The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) swiftly condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and fair electoral environment.
In a statement, the ECC urged political parties to prioritize peaceful engagement and respect the democratic rights of citizens.
Meanwhile, the incident at the Namuwa English and Arabic School created chaotic conditions during the voting process, with voters seen running for safety as violence erupted. Editing by Jonathan Browne
