Brussels, 21/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on 17 August the presidency of the EU welcomed the peaceful holding of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone on 11 August 2007. it notes that, “These elections are an important step towards the consolidation of peace and democracy in a region that until recently has suffered from violent conflicts”. It congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for an orderly election and the National Electoral Commission and for its capable leadership in their organisation.
The EU electoral observation mission on the ground attested that these elections were generally well administrated, peaceful and competitive. . The EU will continue to follow closely the post-election period in the country and expresses its hopes that Sierra Leone will conclude this electoral process in peace and in respect of the democratic principles. The EU calls on all parties and supporters “o await the certified results patiently and exercise tolerance upon their announcement, and to resolve any disputes which arise according to established legal mechanisms”. (ol)