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Statement by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the Montserrado By-Electon
Monday, 16th November 2009
Fellow Liberians,
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the political parties and candidates for participating in the November 10, 2009 by-election. I especially want to thank them for conducting
themselves in a very civil manner, respectful of each other. I commend all the partisans and people who worked for the parties
for showing a great level of political maturity. This is what democracy is all about. We may have our differences, but
we can always resolve everything through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. We also thank our partners, who provided
security support and monitoring of the event.
I want to call on everyone, especially the partisans of CDC and UP, who are headed for the run-off, to show the same level of maturity and respect for each other, and abide by the democratic principles during the second round of voting. No matter who wins, we will still be here and we will have to work together to make Liberia better for everyone and for future generations.
We all have concerns about the delays and disorganization which characterized the election in some polling places on November 10. This was the first time that the National Elections Commission had to organize elections in such a big county, making this a challenge for them. I hope the NEC has learned lessons from the first round and will get its house in order for the run-off.
The Government and partners must give them all the support to ensure that they process is fair, free and peaceful.
Before concluding, I would like to call on all those who stayed at home in the first round and did not vote, to come out this time and participate in the process. We must all be involved. This is your opportunity to express your choice; to elect the person who will best represent your interest.
This is how democracy works, and we must work to ensure that it is nourished.
Please come out on Tuesday, November 24 and vote. Vote your conscience; vote your choice. make your nation a better place.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the political parties and candidates for participating in the November 10, 2009 by-election. I especially want to thank them for conducting
themselves in a very civil manner, respectful of each other. I commend all the partisans and people who worked for the parties
for showing a great level of political maturity. This is what democracy is all about. We may have our differences, but
we can always resolve everything through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. We also thank our partners, who provided
security support and monitoring of the event.I want to call on everyone, especially the partisans of CDC and UP, who are headed for the run-off, to show the same level of maturity and respect for each other, and abide by the democratic principles during the second round of voting. No matter who wins, we will still be here and we will have to work together to make Liberia better for everyone and for future generations.
We all have concerns about the delays and disorganization which characterized the election in some polling places on November 10. This was the first time that the National Elections Commission had to organize elections in such a big county, making this a challenge for them. I hope the NEC has learned lessons from the first round and will get its house in order for the run-off.
The Government and partners must give them all the support to ensure that they process is fair, free and peaceful.
Before concluding, I would like to call on all those who stayed at home in the first round and did not vote, to come out this time and participate in the process. We must all be involved. This is your opportunity to express your choice; to elect the person who will best represent your interest.
This is how democracy works, and we must work to ensure that it is nourished.
Please come out on Tuesday, November 24 and vote. Vote your conscience; vote your choice. make your nation a better place.
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