MRU preliminary statement on Sa Leone elections

The Manor River Union (MRU) secretariat over the weekend issued its first preliminary report on the just ended Sierra Leone elections, requesting parties to stay committed to the process as counting continues.

In a statement issued over the weekend, MRU Secretary General Mrs. Medina Wesseh said the Union would like to declare preliminarily that the presidential, parliamentary, mayoral and councilor elections held on 7 March were carried out in a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible manner.

“Therefore the Mission congratulates the National Elections Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Sierra Leone for its leadership and the quality of the electoral operations …,” Madam Wesseh says.

The MRU Secretary General appreciates candidates of all the political parties for their compliance with the laws, codes, ethics and conduct of the elections and also the people of Sierra Leone for the high noticeable turn out, discipline and engagement in maintaining the peace and democracy.

She thanks the religious organizations, traditional leaders, the International Community, specifically ECOWAS and the United Nations system, civil society and all the national stakeholders for their important contributions towards the atmosphere of peace.

The MRU Mission took opportunity in the statement to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone for his good work in upholding the tenets of democratic good governance.

Madam Wesseh calls on all political parties, all candidates and their supporters to continue to adhere to and respect the election laws and await the official results.
“We call on National Election Commission (NEC) to continue to maintain a high level of professionalism, impartiality, neutrality and transparency which we have witnessed up to present,” she adds.
She has disclosed that the MRU observers note with concerns that there were isolated electoral incidences reported in few places, including Goderich and Brookfields area and says the union believes those reports are being investigated and there is general peace and calm.
The Union concludes that concerns were raised on restriction placed on vehicular movements on the day of elections, but notwithstanding the atmosphere was peaceful.–Press release