Security Council Press Statement on Liberia Elections

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued on 6 November by Council President José Filipe Moraes Cabral (Portugal):

The members of the Security Council reiterate their strong support for the constructive role that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), under the leadership of the Secretary General’s Special Representative, Ellen Margrethe Løj, continues to play in accordance with its mandate.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their support for UNMIL’s contribution to advancing the Liberian electoral process until its successful completion, and the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and others to provide observers for the elections.

The members of the Security Council are following closely recent developments related to the second round of the presidential elections in Liberia, scheduled for 8 November, and are deeply concerned over statements urging a boycott of the election.  The members of the Security Council express particular concern over threats received by National Elections Commission personnel.

The members of the Security Council call on all Liberian stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and work together to maintain confidence in the electoral process.  The members of the Security Council urge all parties to use existing appropriate national mechanisms to resolve any complaints about the elections.

The members of the Security Council express their full support for the efforts of ECOWAS in promoting dialogue in Liberia, and concur fully with its recent statement urging all Liberian stakeholders not to miss this historic opportunity of consolidating democracy and peace in the country, and to actively participate in the 8 November poll. 

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For information media • not an official record