Chambas calls for credible, transparent, fair elections here

The Special Representative of the Secretary General for West Africa Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas has called for a credible, transparent and fair electoral exercise in Liberia, and a subsequent peaceful transition to a newly elected government in 2018.

Dr. Chambas strongly encourages the Liberian Legislature to progress with the passage of key legislations, such as land rights and local government bills, and the advancement of rights and participation of women in political processes.
Speaking Wednesday, 21 December during a press conference held at UNMIL Headquarters in Monrovia after the 30th high level meeting of heads of UN Missions in West Africa, the SRSG for West Africa said the objective of the bi-annual meeting was to provide insights and exchange views on peace and security dynamics in the areas of operation of the respective missions and in the entire West Africa to strengthen coordination in order to address common challenges.
He said during their meeting, the heads of missions lauded the peaceful nature of the December 7th elections in Ghana, and commended outgoing President John Mahama for his high statesmanship.
Dr. Chambas said the missions also expressed serious concern over the rejection of the December 1st election results by the incumbent President of the Gambia, and called for a peaceful transfer of power, stressing that the international community will is united against Mr. Yaya Jammeh, and use all means to have him accept the elections result.
The UN envoy said the UN is on the side of the people of Gambia, because the people have spoken though their votes. He said participants expressed serious concern over the continued fragility of the security situation in West Africa in general, and they have agreed to continue to cooperate and to strengthen information between their missions on key issues affecting the region.

By Bridgett Milton-Editing by Jonathan Browne