In the aftermath of the historic September 8 presidential run-off, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has wished, on behalf of the international community, to applaud the Government and people of Sierra Leone for maintaining their reputation by conducting the election in a generally peaceful and tolerant manner.
He said the successful completion of the electoral process bore testimony yet again to Sierra Leoneans’ relentless and determined drive towards democracy, peace and security, national reconciliation and development.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC), President Chambas noted, had so far demonstrated a high level of professionalism, objectivity and strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act in the administration of the elections.
“I expect the commission to continue in the same vein till the conclusion of the process, particularly as it sets about examining any irregularities that may emerge”, he noted.
He urged both presidential aspirants and their parties to continue to have faith in the integrity of NEC, the constitutional and legal process and exercise maximum patience as they awaited the results of the election.
“At this critical juncture, the media bear a special responsibility to avoid sensationalism and incitement,” he said, adding that the security agencies must remain vigilant and maintain their neutrality and strict allegiance to the constitution and the rule of law.
“I wish to seize this opportunity to once again caution all against the temptation to take advantage of this period of anxiety to foment trouble or destabilize the country,” he stated.
Dr Chambas said he “is closely monitoring the situation and will hold individuals and groups responsible for their actions”.
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