STATEMENT BY SRSG IBN CHAMBAS ON THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN SIERRA LEONE

22 Mar 2018

STATEMENT BY SRSG IBN CHAMBAS ON THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN SIERRA LEONE

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, calls on all parties and political leaders to help maintain peace and order in Sierra Leone at this critical period of the electoral process, and urges Sierra Leoneans to exercise responsibility.

The National Elections Commission (NEC) plays a vital role and has been working under exceptional challenges to discharge its constitutional responsibilities within tight time constraints. 

The Special Representative calls on parties and institutions at all levels to respect the electoral process and the laws and rules governing the elections.  It is crucial that all stakeholders exercise restraint and do not interfere with or compromise the independence and integrity of NEC.

The Special Representative reiterates that upholding the rule of law should be the primary objective for all in order to ensure respect of the will of the Sierra Leonean people.