Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Elections in Sierra Leone

New York, 18 November 2012 - The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Sierra Leone for the peaceful and largely orderly elections held yesterday. The high voter turnout and the remarkable calm displayed by the country’s citizens as they cast their votes are a clear manifestation of their desire for peace, democracy and development. As the country awaits the announcement of final results, the Secretary-General calls on Sierra Leone's political leaders, parties and their supporters to accept the will of the people and to put their country above any other interests so as not to jeopardize Sierra Leone's hard-won peace. The Secretary-General urges all sides to work together and uphold their commitment to the people of Sierra Leone to bolster stability and unity.