Liberia's political parties enter peace accord ahead of elections

Political parties in Liberia have entered an accord to uphold peace during the general elections in the country later this year.

According to a statement by the National Elections Commission, the 22 registered political parties signed the agreement at a ceremony held in the capital Monrovia.

The political parties presented their agreement to the head of the local electoral body, the statement said.

The electoral chief Jerome George Korkoya, said the peace accord by the political parties “signifies that the 2017 elections will be successful and peaceful,”

The signing marked the first time registered political parties committed themselves to violence-free elections in an African country.

korkoya said the electoral body was working to ensure that the October 10 elections were conducted “in the most transparent and credible manner.”

22 Political Parties Commit to Non-Violent Elections https://t.co/VCLEaNqJPm #LIBERIA

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However, there were reports of several deaths and injuries in the violence which marred the country’s presidential elections in 2011.

During the forthcoming polls, the president will be elected after a two-round voting system and 73 members of the House of Representatives will also emerge.