Sierra Leone

This ceremony is a major milestone in the country’s road to sustainable peace and development and democratic consolidation. Together, we are sharing a moment of greater commitment and growing confidence in Sierra Leone. We, in the UN family, work closely with the government, various electoral institutions and the political parties in the ongoing preparation for the 2007 elections and developments such as the one today bring out so vividly the fruit of the strong partnership between the UN and the international community on the one hand, and the leadership and people of Sierra Leone, on the other.

The real value of this event is far beyond the ceremony and the signing process. A monitoring committee which is also the result of consensus is being inaugurated today. This code of conduct has been willingly and collectively developed and signed. We must show commitment by the quality support and cooperation we give to the monitoring committee. I call upon the monitoring committee to think and plan proactively, work closely with the Political Parties Registration Commission and NEC, and communicate with all political parties and other stakeholders effectively so as to ensure compliance to the Code and assist in the mediation of possible conflicts. May I also remind civil society organizations of their unique role in disseminating the code as well as promoting adherence to it. In particular, the media has such critical role to play and in that regard I am delighted to note that the preparation towards the development of a Media Code of Conduct is at an advanced stage. The media’s conscientious participation in and reporting of socio-political activities indicate their commitment to promoting a culture of peace and coexistence and enhancing social cohesion.

The UN is paying particular attention to the 2007 elections for many reasons. For one it will be the first post-conflict election to be organized by Sierra Leonean institutions without the presence of a large peacekeeping force. Second, both the presidential and parliamentary elections would be held together and during the period of year that presents particular logistics challenges. Third, the successful transfer of power from one democratically elected Government to another will send a strong message to all regarding stability and rule of law in the country. The world needs to hear that message and it is for us together to deliver it. And fourth, the constituency-based election will bring political representation much closer to the voters and is there fore a major step towards greater popular participation in the destiny of the country. On this matter, let me take this opportunity to add that everyone in the international community is anxiously waiting for the swift approval by Parliament of the constituency report, as prepared by NEC, with the technical support of one of the best UN experts in boundary delimitation.