Liberian police says it will stay clear of voting process but ensure security

The Liberian police says it has ordered the thousands of security officers dispatched across the country to stay clear of the voting process but ensure security during the entire elections.

Police spokesperson Sam Collins told Africanews that those who will interfere with the voting process will face disciplinary action.

“No security personnel is allowed to get around the voting area. We have warned our officers to stay clear off. Their only activity at the centre tomorrow is to institute some level of discipline when it appears that somebody wants to act violent in the process.

“Any of our officers who will be caught getting around the poll workers, that officer risks disciplinary action by the police department,” he warned.

Collins said the security personnel will provide security for the process and at the end of it, make sure all the ballot boxes are dispatched to their destinations and then stand down and wait for further order.

He said 5,000 personnel have been stationed in all the 15 counties, 5,390 voting centers and 2080 voting precincts.

“Anybody underestimating the strength of the election security body will have to see the other side of it. Meaning we will do all we can to bring the situation under control,” he added.

Polls open between 0800 GMT and 1800 GMT on October 10. Over two million people are expected to vote.

There are 20 candidates including a woman vying to succeed Sirleaf who is Africa’s first democratically elected female president.