Brussels, 28/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union congratulates Ernest Bai Koroma, the re-elected president of the Republic of Sierra Leone following the elections (presidential and parliamentary) of 17 November, who took up another 5 year term of office on 23 November.
In a press release published on Wednesday 28 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated: “Following the announcement by the National Election Commission (NEC) of the results of the presidential elections held on 17 November 2012, I wish to congratulate President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election by Sierra Leone's voters. I also congratulate all the people of Sierra Leone who participated in the election in such high numbers and in such a peaceful manner.” The EU awaits the recommendations that its electoral observation mission will put together “for any further improvements to be made”, Ashton said.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, and Thomas Yayi Boni, acting chairperson of the African Union, also congratulated Sierra Leone on the peaceful way the voting took place. The Sierra Leone opposition, for its part, criticised a ballot marred by fraud. (AN/transl.fl)