Security Council commends Liberians for recent presidential poll

The Security Council today commended the people of Liberia for holding a free, fair and transparent presidential election earlier this month, and encouraged them to work together to promote lasting peace and stability.

In a statement issued to the press, the 15-member body also expressed their concern about the violence that occurred on the day before the 8 November run-off poll and welcomed the establishment of a Special Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incidents.

Liberia’s electoral authority declared incumbent President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf the winner of the run-off after garnering more than 90 per cent of the vote, while her challenger, Winston Tubman, withdrew from the second round alleging that the first round held on 11 October was not fair.

The Council called on all parties to comply with the Liberian Constitution and to use legal channels to settle electoral disputes.

“The members of the Security Council encourage all Liberians to remain committed to the legitimate political process, to exercise maximum restraint, and to work together to promote enduring peace and stability,” the statement added.

Appreciation was also expressed for the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ellen Margrethe Løj, and the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in promoting security and providing logistical support for the electoral progress.

The Council encouraged the Liberian authorities to continue to work with UNMIL towards achieving progress on the transition of security responsibilities from the mission to the national authorities.

The UN has maintained a peacekeeping force in Liberia since 2003 to bolster a ceasefire agreement ending a decade of war that killed nearly 150,000 people, mostly civilians.