The Importance of Violence-free Elections

In other communities, violence has been viewed as a necessary tool in advocacy and the development of a democratic society in general. For example, the Cattle Rebellion of 1740, the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831 and the Denmark Vesey Rebellion of 1822 are a series of violent (or planned violent) uprisings that Black Slaves in America led against their White Masters in their struggle for freedom. These acts of violence resulted in the death of both Black and White people in America. Violence in these cases did not yield the immediate results planned by black slaves. However, they paved the way for the abolition of slavery, especially in America. Another clear and perhaps better example of the rare form of violence which is to the good of a nation can be found in the struggle of the South African people against the system of Apartheid. The Black people, who made up by far the greater percentage of the population, lived under the Apartheid regime in South Africa (SA). This regime came to an end through a combination of International pressure and civil unrest spearheaded by the African National Congress (ANC). The violence (generally sabotage of key points of infrastructure) resulted in the drawing in of global attention to the disparity and inequality prevalent in SA society.

While other individuals perceive violence as a necessary tool in society, especially in electoral processes, I believe that it is more detrimental in that it causes chaos for a nation. In this light, the necessity and importance of violence-free elections is absolute, but only, I propose, when the necessary mechanisms are in place for truly fair and democratic elections. However, the securing of lives and properties, the maintenance of international respect and dignity and the continued legacy of peace and stability are some reasons that highlight the importance of violence-free elections in Liberia. Without maintaining a strong desire in our country for fair and democratic elections, our country will forever struggle to emerge from the shadow cast by our brutal and terrible civil war.

First of all, the securing of lives and properties strongly supports the importance of violence-free elections. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides in Article 3 that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person.” Also, it is the economic right of every individual to own property. But in Liberia, we went through 14 years of civil crisis that led to the violation of human rights by destroying many lives and depriving people of their properties. Based on this, if violence-free elections should aid in sustaining democracy and peace in Liberia, it is necessary to create awareness amongst citizens on the devastating nature of violent elections, thus drawing their attentions to the benefits of violence-free elections.

Secondly, the maintenance of international respect and dignity is another reason that buttresses the importance of violence free elections. For instance, Liberia lost in international respect and dignity when she conducted the most fraudulent world elections in 1927. That is the number of voters were more than the total number of registered voters in the country. Therefore, if Liberians prioritize violence free elections, it is also necessary to put mechanisms in place for ensuring truly fair and democratic elections. By this means, Liberia will promote the maintenance of international respect and dignity.

In addition, the continued presence of peace and stability is a paramount reason that upholds the importance of violence free elections. It is often said that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Meaning, for every violent act carried on in the electoral processes of a nation, there will inevitably be a build-up of scar tissue; pain and loss upon the psyche of our County. Alongside this, no investor wants to pump money into a war zone; so, if Liberia maintains a peaceful and stable society, it will encourage greater numbers of international investments that will contribute to development in our country.

To conclude, elections in nature do not guarantee peace and stability in any nation. So, as Liberians gear toward another electoral era, it is salient to embark on violence free elections for the securing of lives and properties, maintenance of international respect and dignity and the sustenance of peace and stability.