As we all are already aware, Saturday, August 5, 2023, is the day set by the National Elections Commission, NEC, for the commencement of political campaign by all registered political parties across the Country with less than ninety days to the October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections.

This means all political parties and their respective candidates, supporters, and independent candidates and supporters will, without any restrictions, travel to all cities, towns, villages, and hamlets to in a peaceful faction, explain to potential voters what their respective platforms or visions are to transform their lives and make Liberia a land of opportunities and prosperity.

In so doing, let us not forget that the World will be watching every step we make along the way.  In spite of our different political affiliations and ideologies, let’s have zero tolerance for political violence because, after all, we have one common interest, which is our beloved Country, Liberia.

Yes, tempers will rise, and emotions will flare off, but let’s control those emotions and not allow them to control us, to save our Nation from wanton destruction of lives and properties.

Let us also remind you that elections are a democratic process, not warfare. This is why we must all have zero tolerance for electoral violence. We all, no matter our different political affiliations and interests, have a role to play in keeping our Country safe and peaceful during and after the pending elections.

Politicians in particular have a pivotal role to play by dissuading the minds of their young supporters from electoral violence, while the youths must also shun politicians, who may want to lure them into violence for their selfish political interest or aggrandizement.

Liberia is bigger than any political party or politician and this is why we must keep it stable and peaceful. Do not forget, it is only within an atmosphere of peace that our lives as citizens can improve and our Country develop.

Let us also keep in mind that potential investors can only invest in our Country and create job opportunities if only our Country is peaceful and stable, after all, no investor will dare invest in an unstable and lawless country.

This is why we must all have zero tolerance for electoral violence because the World, particularly our international partners are watching us. If we dare try anything inimical to a free, fair and violence-free elections, we have ourselves to blame.

A hint to the wise is quite sufficient.