The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, has concluded a three-day visit to Liberia. During his visit, Mr. Simão met with President George Weah, government officials, members of civil society, and youth and women’s organizations. He also participated in a stakeholder forum on the upcoming presidential elections.
In all his engagements, Mr. Simão stressed the importance of holding inclusive, peaceful, and democratic elections in Liberia. He called on all stakeholders to uphold their commitments to the Farmington River Declaration, which sets out principles for a credible electoral process. For example, he urged the government to ensure that all eligible voters are registered and that the elections are free and fair. He also called on the political parties to campaign peacefully and to respect the results of the elections.
Mr. Simão also encouraged all actors to harness the positive force of Liberian women and youth. He said that women and youth are essential to building a peaceful and democratic Liberia. He called on them to play a positive role in ensuring that the elections are peaceful and fair.
The Special Representative reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations Country team to support Liberia’s path towards lasting democracy, peace, and prosperity. He said that the United Nations will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming elections are a success.
The upcoming presidential elections in Liberia are scheduled to take place in October 2023. The elections will be the first since the country’s civil war ended in 2003.
