UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

New York, 26 November 2012 – Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sierra Leone

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.

The Sierra Leone People’s Party ( SLPP ) is the only entity left now to acknowledge that the November 17, 2012 elections were free, fair and credible and worthy of high acclaim for its transparency and the manner in which it was commended. Everybody and every institution that matters locally and internationally have said so. Yesterday, President Barak Obama congratulated President Koroma on his victory , a sure sign that the U.S. recognizes the report of the international community and stakeholders that the elections were free and fair. Now today, the United Nations followed with its congratulatory message to President Koroma and an expression of confidence that the strong partnership between the UN and Sierra Leone will continue. 

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New York, 26 November 2012 – Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sierra Leone

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.