The Government of Sierra Leone wishes to express grave concern and dismay at the delay in publishing the presidential results of the March 29 2008 elections. In the interest of democracy, and for the welfare of the suffering people of Zimbabwe, we are calling on President Robert Mugabe and all stakeholders, particularly the electoral commission, to accelerate the completion of the electoral process by declaring the outcome of the elections.

We therefore join the clarion call from all democratic nations, institutions, and individuals in asking the Zimbabwean authorities to listen to the voice of the people, release the results without further delay and with utmost transparency.

The current uneasy peace in Zimbabwe may erupt into an unthinkable scenario if immediate action is not taken to save the situation.

We therefore stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Zimbabwe and all those wishing them well in these trying times, while pleading with the Government of Zimbabwe to do all it can to abide by the will of the people.

Consequently, we support the efforts of Southern African regional leaders and the international community in their efforts to help Zimbabwe resolve this political deadlock through peaceful means.