SECRETARY-GENERAL SALUTES SIERRA LEONE CITIZENS ON SUCCESSFUL, PEACEFUL ELECTIONS, WELCOMES RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT’S PLEDGE TO PROMOTE NATIONAL UNITY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General congratulates President Ernest Bai Koroma and the people and institutions of Sierra Leone on the successful and peaceful elections held on 17 November 2012, which clearly demonstrated the people’s strong commitment to consolidating democracy and development.

The Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of all Sierra Leoneans working together in the period ahead.  In that regard, the Secretary-General welcomes President Koroma’s pledge to reach out to all Sierra Leoneans and to promote national reconciliation and unity.

At this time, the Secretary-General stresses the responsibility of Sierra Leone’s political leaders for maintaining the atmosphere of calm that has prevailed so far during the election process.  He urges all sides to address any outstanding grievances peacefully and through established national mechanisms and institutions.

The Secretary-General is confident that the strong partnership between the United Nations and Sierra Leone will continue in the best interest of the people of Sierra Leone.

Presidential Elections in Sierra Leone

The United States commends the people of Sierra Leone who, on November 17, turned out in overwhelming numbers to vote in the third successful presidential and parliamentary election since the end of the country's civil war in 2002. We congratulate President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election, and urge all parties to accept the results as representing the will of Sierra Leone’s voting public.

Any grievances related to the election must be resolved through Sierra Leone's judiciary, in accordance with the rule of law. We urge all party leaders to refrain from actions that incite violence or encourage acts of retribution.

We call on the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties Registration Commission, and other stakeholders to address any electoral deficiencies and further strengthen Sierra Leonean democracy.