TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND POLARISATION There is apprehension in civil society that the coming elections will become violent. The stakes are very high for the contesting political parties. The presidency is by far the most powerful institution in the country. Winning the presidency is the goal of both sides. The issues being canvassed at the elections, of corruption, nepotism and betrayal of the country to international interests are highly emotive ones. Violations of election law are occurring on a large scale with the misuse of state property and resources being highlighted by election monitors. There have also been acts of violence that can increase sharply as the election approaches. The National Peace Council believes it is the duty of the State to maintain law and order and the Police and the Judicial authorities should be called upon by the government to enforce the law without any partisanship. That is the moral and legal duty of the State. Any failure to do so could mean that the people of the country and the International Community may not accept the result of the election. It could even lead to economic sanctions on the country which will affect adversely the people in the context of the ongoing stand-off between the government and UN regarding the UN investigation in human rights violations. Sanctions such as depriving access of local banks to the SWIFT inter-bank clearing and settlement system undermined the Iranian economy. They have compelled Iran to re-open nuclear talks. Civil society groups with the participation of election monitoring organisations are in the process of setting up coordination mechanisms to report on acts of violence and violations of electoral laws. In addition it is important to educate citizens on electoral laws and help them understand and advocate against violations of these laws which are often flouted with impunity. The National Peace Council welcomes these initiatives and supports the formation of a civil society platform against election violence and violations of the election laws. In addition we would appeal to the political parties, and in particular to the ruling party which is vested with governmental authority to cooperate with civil society in ensuring a peaceful election. We believe that a sign of statesmanship would be for the President to initiate an all party discussion with the participation of religious and civil society on the need to ensure a free and violence-free election. This discussion must include the post-election situation, to ensure that no revenge-seeking will be tolerated. It is the President who is best suited to make this call as he holds the positions of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces and is also holds the ministerial portfolios for Defence and for Law and Order. Initiating such a discussion is in the national interest. It would both create confidence about the electoral process in the minds of the general public and the International Community and could also reduce the polarisation within the polity.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 08:47:07 +0000
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