UNMIL remains a steadfast partner in supporting the aspirations of every Liberian for fair and peaceful elections

UNMIL has provided logistical support to the National Elections Commission to convey election materials and personnel to voting areas in a timely manner. UNMIL Radio is supporting the National Elections Commission in its civic education campaign.  And UNMIL’s uniformed personnel including Police and Military Force, in accordance with our mandate, stand ready to protect civilians and to provide support to the Liberian security agencies for safe and secure campaigning, voting and announcement of results.

These Senatorial elections are a sovereign, Liberian process. In the process of addressing the challenging questions around their timing, Liberians have had an opportunity to demonstrate the same resilience and resourcefulness in finding solutions that have come to the fore in the national response to Ebola.  UNMIL has encouraged all national actors to utilize Liberia’s democratic structures and instruments to resolve these questions, keeping these processes transparent and communicating clearly with the public. 

In the days ahead, I urge Liberians to keep public health issues at the forefront, and adhere to the anti-Ebola measures issued for these elections by the National Elections Commission.  I encourage all Liberians to continue to use peaceful means to pursue any disputes relating to these elections, including through the complaints mechanism of the National Elections Commission and through the courts. Finally, I urge all citizens to await the official results from the Elections Commission and firmly resist reacting prematurely to rumors.

The role of the Supreme Court demonstrates that Liberia is a nation in which citizens respect the rule of law, and resort to constitutional means to express dissent. This bodes well for the peace and security of this nation.  I am confident that Liberians, working together in the interests of the country, will succeed in conducting these elections peacefully and safely.

For further information, please contact:

 Mathew ELAVANALTHODUKA <mathew@un.org> mob +231770319153: email: mathew@un.org

Seble Worku, mob +23177039157, email: seblewongel@un.org