YouSaid · the spoken record

Toyberg-Frandzen

lines on the record: 101
first: 2012-09-11
most recent: 2015-01-15
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: My briefing today will focus on two specific issues: political developments in Ukraine and the latest developments related to the conflict in the east of the country. I will also provide a brief update on the United Nations activities in relation to Ukraine. On 26 October, Ukraine held its early parliamentary elections. Although there was no voting in Crimea and the parts of Donbas under rebel control, elections were held throughout the rest of Ukraine in a manner that Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers welcomed as largely upholding democratic commitments. Yesterday, 11 November, the Central Electoral Commission announced the official results of the elections.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“Finally, I thank the Council for its commitment to success in Sierra Leone through the United Nations peace operations during the past 15 years, and particularly during UNIPSIL's mandate.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“I would also like to underscore the importance of the Security Council's support for regional peace and security efforts of the African Union, the Economic Community of West Africa States and the Mano River Union. The Council's support for implementation of the strategy for cross-border security in the Mano River Union presents an opportunity in that regard. In concluding, I would take this opportunity to thank the people and Government of Sierra Leone, in particular His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, for their support for the efforts of the United Nations, including the seamless and timely completion of UNIPSIL's drawdown and exit. I would also like to reiterate our appreciation to the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and all bilateral donors for the fruitful partnership for peacebuilding in Sierra Leone.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“I commend President Koroma for his zero-tolerance approach to corruption; it is an important step towards improving the business Climate and attracting investors with strong, responsible business practices. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Djinnit and I have worked closely together over the past month regarding the role of the United Nations Office for West Africa in Sierra Leone after UNIPSIL's drawdown, including through the good offices of the Secretary-General, as needed. I am pleased to hear that the Peacebuilding Commission, with which I will be meeting later today, intends to continue to monitor Sierra Leone with a view towards engaging on an as-needed basis.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Just last week, the Minister of Finance and I signed the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for 2015-2018, which will serve as the United Nations strategy in Sierra Leone in support of the Government's Agenda for Prosperity. I believe that national authorities and institutions are ready and willing to assume responsibility for their country's peacebuilding and development agenda. Nevertheless, the continued assistance of Sierra Leone's international partners will remain critical. I urge Sierra Leone's development partners to remain engaged and to consolidate the many investments made over the years, including through support for the Agenda for Prosperity and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework. Increasing State revenue will also be crucial.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“During the Secretary-General's visit to Sierra Leone earlier this month, it was heartening to hear all the major political parties speaking with one voice in ajoint statement in which they committed to work towards a peaceful future for Sierra Leone. During its last year, UNIPSIL focused on its remaining mandate, as outlined in resolution 2097 (2013) and the transfer of residual tasks to the United Nations country team. In that regard, I am pleased to note that the United Nations will continue to provide support through the Peacebuilding Fund to constitutional review, security sector reform, promotion of human rights and conflict prevention.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Though Sierra Leone is continuing on the right path, it still faces a number of challenges linked to the root causes of the war that require sustained attention and support. Allow me to emphasize some of those key remaining challenges, as outlined in the Secretary- General's report. They are, first, pervasive poverty and unemployment, especially among young people; secondly, endemic corruption; thirdly, upholding the rule of law; and fourthly, the need for the authorities to broaden the political space. The ongoing constitutional review process and the implementation of the Agenda for Prosperity are important opportunities in that regard. Addressing the remaining Challenges will require the joint efforts of all Sierra Leoneans to work together and place the national interest above all other interests.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“As the Council is also aware, the country has made remarkable strides in post-conflict recovery, democratic transition and peace consolidation. Indeed, the general atmosphere of peace that now prevails is the culmination of more than 15 years of successive Security Council-mandated peace operations in the country. As the report indicates, the progress achieved is attributable first and foremost to the determination of the people and Government of Sierra Leone to break with the past and work towards a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation. It is also the result of a remarkable level of steady engagement by the United Nations and international partners, demonstrating that concerted international action can yield positive results.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: Let me begin by thanking the Security Council for the opportunity to present the final report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), contained in document S/20l4/l92, dated 17 March 2014. As members ofthe Council know, the report before the Council takes stock of the overall implementation of the mandate of UNIPSIL since its establishment in 2008. It also presents an assessment of the remaining challenges facing Sierra Leone after UNIPSIL'S drawdown by 31 March, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2097 (2013). UNIPSIL is indeed in the final stages of its drawdown and, as the Council is aware, the Secretary- General marked the formal closure of the Mission on 5 March 2014 during his visit to Sierra Leone.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“I would also like to thank the Security Council for its continued interest in Sierra Leone and our activities in the country.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Success in meeting those expectations and building a prosperous, democratic and peaceful country is not only the responsibility of the Government or a particular group, but a shared responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans, including the country's political parties, civil society, traditional leaders and others. I therefore call on all Sierra Leoneans to set aside their political differences and group interests and work together in a spirit of national unity to promote the development and democratization agenda of their country. In concluding, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the people and the Government of Sierra Leone, in particular President Ernest Bai Koroma, for their continued support for the work of the United Nations, including the seamless and timely implementation of UNIPSIL's transition plan.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“The implementation of UNIPSIL's transition and exit strategy is on course, and we are firmly set to complete a full drawdown on 31 March 2014. At the same time, Sierra Leone has embarked on major undertakings: the launching of the country's development agenda * the Agenda for Prosperity - and a constitutional review exercise. Those are ambitious undertakings, but they are also essential for Sierra Leone's economic development and democratic transformation and in addressing the root causes of the conflict identified in the report of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There are already high expectations.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Given the importance of continuing the work of the United Nations in the field, I am encouraged by the interest some United Nations agencies have shown to take over UNIPSIL's facilities and maintain a presence in the various regions of Sierra Leone. However, the scope of those agencies' presence will depend on availability of funding. Most importantly, as UNIPSIL is making good progress in the implementation of its transition and drawdown plan, the United Nations country team has also stepped up its work in finalizing a United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the period 2015-2020. The Framework will replace the joint UNIPSIL/United Nations country team strategy or the United Nations joint Vision, and serve as the United Nations strategy to support the Government's Agenda for Prosperity.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“The Human Rights Section will complete its work by the end of December 2013, with the human rights-related work of the United Nations transferred to the Resident Coordinator's Office. The remaining components ofthe mission, namely, the Political and Peace Consolidation Section and the United Nations Police, will continue their work, with reduced capacity, until the closure of the mission. With respect to UNIPSIL's field offices, the regional office in the eastern province was closed in April, and the remaining three offices will either be closed or transferred to the United Nations country team by the end of December.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“In that regard, following consultations with the Government, the United Nations country team and other partners, we have finalized programme documents covering key activities in the three priority areas, namely, constitutional review, security sector reform and conflict prevention. Those activities will be implemented during the next two to four years, with funding to be secured from bilateral sources, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The drawdown and closure of various components and field offices of UNIPSIL are also proceeding as planned. As indicated in the report before the Council, the mission's aviation unit and the Democratic Institutions Section have been closed.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Sierra Leone's political parties, in particular the ruling All People's Congress and the main opposition party, the Sierra Leone People's Party, have an important role to play in maintaining and consolidating the country's multiparty democracy and political pluralism. To that end, it is incumbent on them to resolve all intra- and inter-party disputes through dialogue and working together, putting the country's interest above all others. As requested by the Council, UNIPSIL has finalized and is implementing a transition and exit plan aimed at the mission's full drawdown by 31 March 2014. The plan addresses both the implementation of the mission's remaining mandate, as outlined in resolution 2097 (2013), and the transfer of residual tasks to the United Nations country team.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“In that respect, attention and priority should continue to be given, inter alia, to combating corruption, ensuring the professionalism and independence of the security and justice sectors, and building the capacity of national institutions, including Parliament, to effectively play their role. We commend the Government's political commitment to combating corruption, in particular President Koroma's zero-tolerance policy. In the same vein, we wish to underline the importance of continued support for the efforts of the Anti-Corruption Commission to effectively discharge its mandate.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Funding for the review process has been secured through contributions from the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the United Nations. With the support of the United Nations and the international community as a whole, Sierra Leone has made significant progress over the past decade in the consolidation of its hard-won peace and democratic transformation. Sustaining those gains and achieving the country's ambitious development aspirations would, however, require continued efforts and commitment to strengthening and empowering the country's democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law and democratic governance.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“The launching on 30 July of the long-awaited constitutional review process is another significant development of the past six months. We are pleased that the process is led and owned by the Sierra Leoneans, as amply demonstrated in the composition of the Constitutional Review Committee that is spearheading the review process. We commend President Koroma for his leadership and commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review process. The review presents a historic opportunity for strengthening Sierra Leone's democratic institutions, anchoring the rule of law and human rights, leading to a modern and more inclusive system of governance, promoting equitable economic development and social justice for all; those will in turn foster greater cohesion and unity among Sierra Leoneans.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“The strategy lays the foundations for rapid and sustainable economic growth and democratic transformation by focusing on key economic, social and governance sectors. The total cost of the Agenda is about $6 billion, with a funding gap of more than $2 billion. Closing such a significant funding gap and achieving the goals set by the strategy requires far more international support, as well as the mobilization of substantial domestic resources, through increased domestic and foreign investment. Most importantly, it demands the full ownership, absolute dedication and hard work of all Sierra Leoneans. Robust systems and institutional and legal frameworks that would attract foreign and domestic investment with good corporate social responsibility are also key to the successful implementation of the Government's agenda.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: I would like to begin by thanking the Council for the opportunity to present the eleventh report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) (S/2013/547). The report highlights major developments that have taken place in Sierra Leone over the past six months, and the progress made towards the completion of UNIPSIL's mandate and transfer of its remaining tasks to the United Nations country team on 31 March 2014. Since I last briefed the Council, in March (see S/PV.6933), there have been notable developments in Sierra Leone. The United Nations and Sierra Leone's development partners have continued their support to the Government in the implementation of its national development strategy, known as the Agenda for Prosperity (2013-2018).”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“This involves not only the planned phasing out of UNIPSIL, but equally the scaling up of the United Nations and other international partners' support for the continued development of Sierra Leone. That will require the timely mobilization of resources. With a successful transition and UNIPSIL's exit, it is also important to make it clear that the United Nations will remain in Sierra Leone and continue to support Sierra Leone through the United Nations country team and with the assistance of its international partners.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In that regard, I call on the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission and international partners to assist in providing such resources. The transition of UNIPSIL to the United Nations country team represents a moment that Sierra Leone and the international community can take pride in. The strong commitment of the people of Sierra Leone and its successive post-conflict Governments has been indispensable to the achievements made by the country and to the successful work of the United Nations over the last 15 years. However, I must caution that challenges remain which call for greater efforts by national stakeholders and the international community's continued engagement. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to get the transition right.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“That will continue to be a critical priority for the country. Under the planned transitional arrangements there will be a gradual reduction of the tasks performed by the mission as of 1 April until the end of its mandate. In anticipation of a refocused mandate, UNIPSIL and the United Nations country team are developing drawdown proposals that will be completed by the end of March. Those proposals envisage staffing reductions, the transfer of the mission's archives to United Nations Headquarters and the liquidation ofits assets. UNIPSIL and the United Nations country team will further prepare a timeline and benchmarks for the transition of all outstanding tasks. Technical and financial resources will be critical to guaranteeing a smooth transition to the United Nations country team.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In the area of support for security sector reform, in order to ensure a smooth and seamless transition from UNIPSIL to the United Nations country team, in collaboration with bilateral partners and the Government, UNIPSIL'S tasks will focus on providing overall strategic policy advice and on strengthening the coordination mechanisms for international assistance in the security sector. Furthermore, UNIPSIL will provide support in strengthening the governance and the command and control mechanisms of the Sierra Leone police, as well as in improving efforts to address cross-border threats and transnational and organized crime, in particular drug trafficking. Finally, as directed by the Secretary-General, UNIPSIL will continue to support the strengthening of national human rights and rule-of-law institutions.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Notwithstanding the outcome of the case filed by the main opposition, the Sierra Leone People's Party, challenging the presidential election results, both opposition and ruling parties must continue to work together in the national interest and for the advancement of the country. In that connection, UNIPSIL intends to engage in political facilitation, mediation and consensus-building around the constitutional review process. The mission will also continue to provide support to the vital national institutions engaged in conflict prevention and mediation, such as the Political Parties Registration Commission.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“As recommended by the Secretary-General in his report, UNIPSIL, in close coordination with the United Nations country team and other partners, should continue to perform three key residual tasks, namely, first, conflict prevention and mediation support for the constitutional review process; secondly, support for security sector reform; and thirdly, support the strengthening of human rights institutions With respect to the first task, it is critical that UNIPSIL continue to provide support to local stakeholders in stabilizing the post-election political environment.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“With the progress made by Sierra Leone and by UNIPSIL in the implementation of its mandate, it is now appropriate to begin a reconfiguration of the mission and to gradually transfer responsibilities to the United Nations country team, the Government of Sierra Leone, national institutions and civil society organizations, as well as bilateral and international partners. Ultimately, that process will end with the termination of the mission.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In that regard, While the Government takes the lead in attracting private investment and in expanding the country's revenue base to finance those priorities, international assistance and development cooperation will also remain essential to complement national efforts. As requested by the Council in resolution 2065 (2012), a United Nations inter-agency technical assessment mission visited Sierra Leone in January to develop proposals for the transition, drawdown and exit strategy of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) after holding a wide range of discussions with all representatives of Sierra Leone society. Sierra Leone's progress is proof of what can be accomplished through concerted multilateral and national efforts in the post-conflict period.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Sierra Leone's national institutions, including the justice and security sectors, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission and other entities, need to be strengthened in order for them to continue to effectively discharge their respective responsibilities and to win the trust and confidence of the population whom they serve. Further entrenching the rule of law and institutions of democratic governance is the best guarantee for sustaining peace and achieving development and economic prosperity. Progress in addressing poverty and unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, and in providing essential public services to the population remain serious challenges. The priorities articulated in the Government's Agenda for Prosperity aim to achieve those and other key objectives.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Such a review will not only provide an opportunity to address the country's regional divide and the many other complex challenges that contributed to the conflict, but also guarantee its continued progress in consolidating the democratic process and in achieving sustainable development. In that regard, it is essential that the planned constitutional review be an inclusive process that ensures the buy-in of all key stakeholders. The Government of Sierra Leone has expressed its desire for international support, in particular from the United Nations, for the constitutional review process both in terms of facilitating political dialogue and mobilizing the necessary financial resources.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In that respect, it is vital that the Government continue its efforts to ensure the proper management of the country's mineral wealth and in combating corruption. Notwithstanding the progress that Sierra Leone has made over the past decade, challenges still remain, particularly in tackling the root causes of the conflict. The political divide and the polarization of the country along regional ethnic lines that manifested themselves in successive elections need to be addressed in order to strengthen national unity and cohesion. Such polarization is further aggravated by the country's winnerftakesfall electoral system. In that respect, I welcome President Koroma's commitment to holding a review of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone so as to ensure an inclusive system of Government.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“With the Government's national development strategy, the Agenda for Change, about to come to an end, a successor strategy for the next five years, the Agenda for Prosperity, will soon be finalized. With the implementation ofthe Agenda for Change, Sierra Leone made tangible progress, particularly in the mining and health-care sectors and in infrastructure development. With the beginning of exports of iron ore and the potential for the exploitation of oil and gas, Sierra Leone's economy is expected to expand and to provide the necessary resources in order to address some of its crucial challenges in ensuring improved delivery of services and better standards of living for the citizenry.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“The capacity of vital State institutions that underpin the country's democratic process, such as the National Electoral Commission, the Sierra Leone Police and the Political Parties Registration Commission, has also grown. Adequate law and order is being ensured by the police and security sector agencies throughout the country. The Sierra Leone Police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, both of which were restructured after the conflict, now participate in United Nations and regional peacekeeping operations. Sierra Leone also implemented a successful transitional justice and reconciliation process through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen: I thank the Council for the opportunity to present the tenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (8/2013/118), which is before it. As members are aware, Sierra Leone held national presidential and parliamentary and local council elections on 17 November 2012. The successful conclusion of those elections demonstrates that Sierra Leone is determined to consolidate its hard-won peace. The country has made significant progress since the end of the war more than a decade ago. During that period, Sierra Leone was able to restore and consolidate State authority, implement national recovery programmes, including the extension of public services, and undertake reforms in the governance and security sectors.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Last but not least, I wish to acknowledge the very important role that the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission continues to play under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Gullerimo Rischynski in supporting peace consolidation efforts in the country, including the work of UNIPSIL.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“In that regard, with Sierra Leoneans taking the lead, the continued support of the international community, including the United Nations, will still be needed for some time to come. With that in mind, UNIPSIL and the United Nations country team will continue to assist the Government of Sierra Leone as long as it is deemed appropriate. In concluding, I Wish to take this opportunity to thank President Koroma and his Government for the continued cooperation and support for the work of the United Nations in Sierra Leone. I would also like to thank the Council for its sustained interest in Sierra Leone, as demonstrated in its recent mission to the country.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“The successful conduct of elections will demonstrate the maturity of Sierra Leone's political leadership and institutions, as well as the consolidation of the democratic process in the country. Once the elections are concluded, the immediate focus should be on addressing any potential post-elections issues through dialogue and on ensuring a smooth transition of the elected Government. UNIPSIL stands ready to continue providing the necessary assistance in that respect, working with all stakeholders towards promoting national cohesion and reconciliation. However, consolidating and sustaining Sierra Leone's achievements would require continued progress in tackling the root causes, including those identified in the report of Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“However, as the elections draw closer, the intensity of political competition, in particular between the two major political parties - the APC and the SLPP - is expected to increase and tensions are expected to rise. However, with the prevailing spirit of dialogue and constructive engagement among Sierra Leone's political actors, we are confident that such tensions will be managed and violence prevented. In that regard, we are encouraged by the level of commitment and active engagement of all segments of Sierra Leone society in the electoral process. The non-State actors project implemented by UNIPSIL, with the assistance of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, supports the efforts of key stakeholders, such as political parties, youth and women groups, tradition leaders and media, in promoting non-violence and political participation.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“Others, in particular the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Guild of Editors, should also educate and guide their memberships on their roles and responsibilities. As to the Serra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), I am pleased to report the recent adoption of guidelines, which were signed by all political parties and the SLBC. The guidelines provide for equitable airtime and access for all political parties to SLBC programmes. We are pleased to note that, during the past six months and since the adoption of the Declaration of 18 May 2012, there have been no incidents of political violence in the country. The political parties and other stakeholders continue to uphold their commitment to credible and peaceful elections.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“In that regard, efforts are under way, with the support of UNIPSIL, to strengthen the Political Parties Liaison Committee, comprised of representatives from all the political parties, the Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission and other major actors, to serve as a fonun for consultations and dialogue in order to resolve any matters regarding the electoral process. The Sierra Leone media has an important contribution to make in ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections by providing objective and balanced information to the population. In that regard, the Independent Media Commission should play a more active role in working with the media to discourage divisive and inflammatory reporting that could lead to political tension and violence.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“However, recent incidents involving the use of force by the police in response to disturbances and other situations in various parts of the country have caused concern. We welcome the measures taken by the Government of Sierra Leone to investigate the circumstances that led to the use of lethal force, and stress the need to ensure respect for the rule of law and professional conduct by all during the electoral period and beyond. The establishment of the independent police complaints mechanism, as envisaged in the 2009 joint communique, would also contribute to that end. Notwithstanding the authority vested in the National Electoral Commission by Sierra Leone's Constitution, the Commission and the political parties should continue to collaborate and address any concerns through open dialogue and in a constructive spirit.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“At present, UNIPSIL, in collaboration with the Political Parties Registration Commission and the National Commission for Democracy, is supporting the wider dissemination of the Declaration and monitoring its implementation. We continue to urge Sierra Leone's political parties and all major stakeholders to fully implement the commitments they have made under the Declaration. Providing an enabling security environment at all stages of the electoral process and in the immediate post-election period will be equally indispensible. In that regard, the role of Sierra Leone's security agencies, in particular the Sierra Leone Police, remains critical. The training ofthe police and provision of the necessary logistics are well under way.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“With regard to political dialogue, I am pleased to report that as a manifestation of national ownership of the political process, and in response to the Security Council's call made in its last presidential statement on Sierra Leone (S/PRST/20l2/11), all 10 registered political parties and other major stakeholders have signed the Declaration of 18 May 2012, committing themselves to free, fair and peaceful elections. The Declaration outlines the roles and responsibilities of all the key players, including the political parties, the media, security agencies, civil society and relevant national institutions, such as the National Electoral Commission, in the upcoming elections.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“We welcome that positive trend and at the same time believe that continued attention should be given to the following four areas: promoting constructive dialogue and mutual trust among the political actors, in particular the two major political parties, the APC and the SLPP; ensuring confidence in the security sector, especially in the Sierra Leone Police; improving communication and dialogue between the National Electoral Commission and the political parties; and managing the role of the media.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“Women's groups in particular have pointed out that the increased fees Will prevent women from participating in the elections. Throughout that process, and given the importance of the concerns raised, I have encouraged all the political parties and the National Electoral Commission to engage in dialogue and to use the democratic processes to resolve their differences. Although the official campaign date is now set to begin on 17 October, the country is already in an election mode, with political parties, in particular the two major parties - the All People's Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) - engaged in extensive tours of the country to mobilize support. All those political activities are so far proceeding in an orderly manner and without incident.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“Since the completion of the report before the Council, on 6 September Parliament endorsed the revised nomination fees, which require presidential candidates to pay 100 million leones, equivalent to $23,250; parliamentary candidates to pay 10 million leones, equivalent to $2,325; local council chairs to pay 5 million leones, equivalent to $1,167; and local council councilors to pay 2 million leones. The previous rates for the 2002 and 2007 elections were 1 million leones for presidential candidates and 100,000 leones for other elective positions. Almost all political parties, as well as civil society groups and the National Human Rights Commission, strongly criticized the proposals for the substantial increase in nomination fees.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“In recognition of the complexity of conducting four elections - presidential, parliamentary, local council and mayoral * on the same date throughout the country, the National Electoral Commission has planned an extensive voter education programme using ward electoral and education committees that are comprised of local community representatives. The programme, which will also be supplemented by civil society organizations, is crucial to ensuring greater participation in the electoral process.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“With technical assistance from the United Nations, major electoral arrangements, particularly the biometric voter registration exercise, were successfully concluded. Others, including the procurement of sensitive materials and communication links between regional tallying centres and the Commission's head offices in Freetown are ongoing. The nomination of candidates for the various elective positions will commence on 12 September, to be followed by a political campaign period from 17 October to 15 November. Overall, preparations for the elections have proceeded satisfactorily, albeit with some challenges.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source
“It highlights the country's success in the implementation of the Government's priorities, in particular in the areas of infrastructure development, the provision of health services, and the energy and agriculturesectors.Planningforasuccessordevelopment strategy, known as the Agenda for Prosperity, is under way. At the same time, the challenges of unemployment, especially among the youth, high living costs and related economic difficulties still persist, requiring a more long-term approach and sustained investment. With regard to political developments, the main focus during the past six months has continued to be on the preparations for the 17 November presidential, parliamentary and local council elections.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source