Liberia: UN mission will 'react robustly' against threats to election workers

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has warned that it will “react robustly” to threats of violence against those involved in elections following reports that the head of the elections commission had been threatened as the West African country seeks to emerge from years of civil war and anarchy.

“Such threats constitute a serious impediment to the consolidation of peace and stability in Liberia,” UNMIL said of the reported threats against Frances Johnson-Morris, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission.

The first round of presidential elections, which were held on 11 October in a violence-free environment, “have universally been acknowledged as free, fair and transparent,” UNMIL added. “Their results reflect the will of the Liberian people.”

A second round between the top two candidates will be held next month.

The Security Council set up UNMIL two years ago to monitor a peace accord ending 14 years of vicious civil war and help prepare for nationals elections, among other goals.