Sierra Leone

Statement by the ERSG at the start of the Campaign for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

09-07-2007

UN encourages candidates to abide by the Code of Conduct

Freetown, --- On Tuesday, 10 July, as the campaign for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections starts, Sierra Leone undertakes one more important step on the road to democratic consolidation.

On this occasion, the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General (ERSG) and UN Resident Coordinator, Victor Angelo, wishes to encourage all the candidates to abide by the Political Parties Code of Conduct.

A peaceful campaign is crucial for credible elections. The United Nations trusts that all the candidates will keep the national interest above everything else and exhibit during the campaigning period the democratic maturity that they have shown during the nomination phase, as well as during the previous stages of the electoral process.

The United Nations also urges all the media practitioners to fully adhere to the Media Code of Conduct. In addition to the Political Parties, the Media shares a major responsibility in maintaining the electoral process peaceful.