The UN Urges Peaceful Elections in Sierra Leone to Consolidate Peace

The United Nations envoy to Sierra Leone has called for the country’s elections in November to be peaceful and democratic. The statement this week by the U.N. executive representative to Sierra Leone, Jens Toyberg-Frandzen, called on political actors to respect the pledge they made on 18 May, to hold free, fair and peaceful elections. There have not been any reports of election-related violence so far. However, the U.N. expressed concern about rising tensions, and in particular intense competition between the two main political parties. Sierra Leone's presidential, parliamentary and local elections will be what the United Nations calls a "crucial test" for the country as it continues to rebuild following a brutal civil war that ended in 2002. The Security Council announced Tuesday it would extend its peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone through March 2013. Current President Ernest Bai Koroma is seeking a second term in office. He has been praised for reinforcing stability and economic growth since his election in 2007. The president is expected to face stiff competition, however, from former military leader Julius Maada Bio. Critics of Bio say he is not fit for the presidency because of his poor human rights record, violations committed during the NPRC military Junta in the 1990s. Campaigning officially kicks off on 17 October and voting takes place on 17 November.