MONROVIA, LIBERIA-ECOWAS Elections Observation Mission is urging candidates and their supporters to maintain self-control ahead of official announcements of election results.

The Head of ECOWAS Mission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said:” Claim of victory in celebration without the official announcement from the National Elections Commission (NEC) could spark violence.”

Speaking in an ELBC interview on Thursday, October 12, 2023, Prof. Jega urged candidates to respect the authority of NEC as the official body clothed with the responsibility to announce results.

The ECOWAS Observer Mission Head expressed hope that the peaceful conduct of the elections will continue after the declaration of winners.

Prof. Attahiru Jega thanked the National Elections Commission for the professional and credible handling of the elections from voter registration to polling day.

At the same time, the United States Embassy is urging all citizens, political parties, and candidates to await official results calmly, patiently, and peacefully.

The US Embassy said it is aware that multiple candidates and political parties are claiming victory prior to the announcement of official results from the National Elections Commission.

According to a statement, the Embassy said it will be awaiting official results from the NEC before judging the outcome of the elections.

The US Embassy said it notes the joint post-election press statement from the ECOWAS and African Union (AU) election observation missions and agrees that “media, political parties, and candidates should avoid the temptation to call the elections results ahead of NEC’s declaration.”

It extolled the Liberian people for their participation in the elections and commended the dedication displayed in exercising the right to vote and engage in the electoral process.