Outspoken Islamic scholar Imam Ba-Kawsu Fofana has urged the Independent Electoral Commission Chairman Joseph Colley to remain impartial and deliver a free, fair and transparent presidential election.
Delivering his Friday Khutba at his base in Sare Pateh, Senegal, Imam Fofana said the IEC must not favour any of the parties or candidates.
“I want to tell Joe Colley, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, and his staff that you should be transparent between the political rivals. You must conduct a free, fair and transparent election,” he said.
He urged Colley to reject bribery and defend his integrity.
“Even if President Barrow or any of the parties approach you and want to bribe you with money, tell them that you are the referee,” he warned.
The outspoken cleric demanded equal coverage and security for all parties on state media.
“Do not allow yourself to be induced by anybody. You should be honest and conduct a free and fair election. There should be equal coverage for both the President and the opposition parties on GRTS, and security should be provided to all of them,” he said.
He said the Commission must assure the political players that there will be no rigging.
“Everything should be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner to maintain peace and stability,” he challenged.
Imam Fofana warned that any manipulation could trigger violence.
“If you are not transparent, you will plunge the country into violence that no one can put off,” he said.
He also warned against allowing foreigners and underage persons to vote, and called on all the parties to remain tolerant.
He also called on the IEC to release the voter registration data, insisting that transparency is the only path to peace.
