The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, wishes to seize this opportunity to congratulate the people and Government of Sierra Leone for the peaceful conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections which was held on March 7, 2018. The large turnout at the polls is a testament that Sierra Leone has imbibed the essential principles of democracy.

The ECOWAS Commission conversely takes note of some post-election tension, particularly the clashes between supporters of the ruling party and the main opposition in the capital city of Freetown and also in some districts such as Kono.

Ahead of the run-off elections scheduled for the 27^th March, ECOWAS calls on the leadership of all political parties, particularly the All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), to enjoin their supporters to abstain from all forms of violence in order to affirm the respect for democratic principles and avoid instability and divisive socio-political cleavages.

ECOWAS calls on the civil society, including the traditional and religious leaders and the media to work on creating a peaceful environment for the successful and peaceful completion of the electoral process.

ECOWAS reiterates its total commitment to the entrenchment of democracy and the rule of law in the region and reaffirms its unwavering support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone at this important time of the country’s political history.

Jean-Claude Kassi BROU

President of the Commission