SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SIERRA LEONE

 

The following Security Council press statement on Sierra Leone was delivered today by Council President Pascal Gayama ( Congo):

Members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement on 25 August of certified results for the parliamentary and presidential elections in Sierra Leone.  They commended the work of the National Electoral Commission and the security arrangements provided by the Sierra Leone authorities.

Members of the Security Council congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for the exemplary conduct of the 11 August elections and urged them to maintain the same sense of purpose, discipline and patience as the electoral process entered its final and decisive phase -- namely the second round of the presidential elections.  They welcomed the international support to the electoral process in Sierra Leone, including through the contribution of election observers.

Members of the Security Council called on leaders of all parties and their followers to continue to campaign within the parameters of their Code of Conduct, to respect the results of the elections as they are confirmed, and to resolve any disputes through exclusively peaceful and legal channels.  They further urged the leaders to fully respect the independence of the National Electoral Commission and the professional integrity of the Sierra Leone police.

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For information media • not an official record