Security Council Press Statement on Elections in Liberia

The members of the Security Council congratulated the Liberian people and
Government as well as political leaders, civil society organizations, and the media, for
the peaceful conduct of October 10 presidential and House of Representative
elections. They commended international partners and UNMIL for their support in
elections preparation, and applauded the role of international, regional, and domestic
election observation missions for their contributions to the transparency of the electoral
process. They also commended Liberias National Elections Commissions conduct of
an expeditious tallying process and timely announcement of results.

The members of the Security Council commended the government of Liberia, political
parties, and the National Elections Commission for the use of established legal
mechanisms to address complaints over the conduct of the October 10 election. The
members of the Security Council called on Liberian claimants and institutions to resolve
any disputes, including pending litigation, in an appropriate, fair, transparent, and
expeditious manner with a view to permit the timely conclusion of Liberias electoral
process and a peaceful transition of power to a new president in accordance with
timelines outlined in Liberias Constitution. The members of the Security Council called
upon leaders of all political parties to continue to refrain from incitement of followers
toward any violent action.

The members of the Security Council noted the importance of a credible and peaceful
second round presidential election and called upon Liberians to ensure the elections are
free, fair, credible, and transparent, including through the full participation of
women. The members of the Security Council reiterated that the responsibility for the
preparation, security and conduct of free, fair and transparent elections rests with the
Liberian authorities. They also reiterated their call on international partners to continue
to support the Liberian authorities, including through deployment of international
electoral observers, with a view to ensuring the credibility of the second round of
elections.

22 November 2017