The Secretary-General welcomes the smooth holding of the presidential and legislative elections in Liberia today.  He commends the people of Liberia for exercising their right to vote in a calm and peaceful manner.  This election is an important milestone in the efforts to consolidate peace and democracy in the country.

The Secretary-General calls on the people of Liberia and all parties and candidates to preserve the existing peaceful atmosphere as the tallying of votes gets underway.  He also reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the consolidation of peace and reconstruction of Liberia.