On the eve of the Presidential run-off election in Liberia, I wish to congratulate the two aspirants, their political coalitions and supporters for successful and largely peaceful electoral campaigns that ended on 12 November 2023.
The ECOWAS Commission, through the 80-strong Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Liberia, has been following, with keen interests, the pre-electoral processes, and events since the inconclusive Presidential election on 10 October 2023.
Despite the generally peaceful environment, the Mission has noted isolated incidents and hold-ups in Lofa, Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, among other flashpoints, which have led to bodily harm, injuries, and subsequent hospitalization.
I call on all stakeholders to commit to preserve the peace and stability of the Republic of Liberia before, during, and after the election. The ECOWAS Commission further urges the candidates, their political alliances, and supporters to be guided by the spirit of national unity, peace, and stability, and adhere to the expressed commitments made within the framework of the Revised Farmington River Declaration.
It also calls on the security forces to maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties towards all citizens.
The Commission puts all on guard that the Community will hold perpetrators of disorder, incitements, and violence responsible for their action. The ECOWAS Commission encourages the National Elections Commission (NEC) to continue to exhibit its impartiality and fairness in the execution of its mandate, as it did during the Elections of 10 October 2023.
The ECOWAS Commission will continue to avail its good offices to all stakeholders in a bid to ensure that the outcome of the election is accepted by all, within a peaceful environment, and in conformity with national, regional, and international standards.
