Elections in Liberia
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 15, 2011
On
behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want
to congratulate the Liberian people for exercising their right to vote
in last week's presidential and legislative elections. These historic
elections are important milestones on Liberia's path toward democratic
reconciliation. The United States congratulates President Sirleaf on her
re-election and we will continue to work with her and all elected
officials to advance democracy, and promote peace and prosperity.
The
United States commends the National Elections Commission for conducting
free, fair, and transparent elections. We applaud the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and others
for sending observers to monitor the elections, as well as the UN
Mission in Liberia for promoting security during the electoral process.
The
violence on November 7th marred this otherwise peaceful process, so we
welcome the creation of a Special Independent Commission of Inquiry to
investigate the incident. We are also deeply disappointed by the
Congress for Democratic Change’s decision to boycott the run-off
election in an attempt to delegitimize the election. We urge all
political parties to respect the election results and resolve their
differences peacefully.
The United States is a long standing
friend of the Liberian people and we are committed to their future.
Congratulations on this momentous occasion.
