Joint Statement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) on the post-electoral phase in Liberia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) in Liberia welcome the gradual announcement of polling results from the National Elections Commission (NEC) and largely positive preliminary reports from observers on the conduct of the elections.

ECOWAS and the UN note with grave concern the heightened tensions following a largely peaceful voting process. The dissemination of misinformation and dis-information, allegations and counter allegations, including actions that, if not contained, could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, have largely contributed to this tension.

The consolidation of Liberia’s peace is a collective responsibility of Liberians at home and abroad and, ECOWAS and the UN, therefore, call on all Liberians to desist from acts that threaten Liberia’s peace. In this regard, we urge Liberians to take a firm stand against violence and refrain from spreading unfounded information that may incite violence.

ECOWAS and the UN call especially on the leaders of political parties to demonstrate, in word and deed, their commitment to peace and the revised Farmington River Declaration. We remind all parties that the joint security is the only lawfully mandated security force to provide security to national installations including the tally centres across the country. Therefore, political parties are urged to desist from assuming the roles of security or law enforcement agencies.

ECOWAS and the UN urge all political parties to exercise calm and restraint as the tallying of votes by the NEC progresses and is concluded.

We underscore the importance of NEC and the security agencies to professionally discharge their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law.

ECOWAS and the UN urge all parties to resolve any grievances peacefully through the appropriate legal means in accordance with national laws.

Finally, ECOWAS and the UN remind all political leaders of their responsibility to safeguard Liberia’s hard-won peace which is vital for the country’s stability and democratic consolidation.

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