SRSG’s address at Press Conference on UNMIL presence during elections
Monrovia, Thursday October 6, 2011 10:00 am PAP 3rd floor
Tuesday the 11th of October is a very important day and I encourage all Liberians who have registered to exercise their democratic right and go to vote peacefully
On that day and the days to follow you will see UNMIL staff, police and the military on the streets and in the air all around the country
We are there to protect you so you go to vote in peace
Eight (8) years ago Liberians accepted peace and we were here…
…We are here today and on election day so Liberians can accept democracy in peace
…We are here to deter any spoilers… so all Liberians can go vote for their preferred candidate freely and in peace
Again, I want to reassure Liberians that this is why you will see us on the ground and in the air throughout the country - so that Liberians can go in peace, with peace of mind, to carry out their civic duty – their right – to vote in peace
I see a poster around and in the papers “Liberia is all we have” – Say no to violence
So I appeal to all Liberians to say no to violence on Election Day, and to accept the results peacefully.
To Political candidates and supporters alike, do not incite violence, allow all Liberians to go vote for their preferred candidates and let the Liberian people’s voices be heard at the ballot box – I appeal to you to accept the elections results peacefully
“Liberia is all you have” – help build it democratically do not destroy it violently.
I thank you.
