Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, yesterday congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for what he referred to as "Peaceful and Largely Orderly Elections" held On Saturday.

"The high voter turnout and the remarkable calm displayed by the country's citizens as they cast their votes are a clear manifestation of their desire for peace, democracy and development," the UN scribe said in a statement.

As the country awaits the announcement of final results, Mr. Ban urged the country's political leaders, parties and their supporters to accept the will of the people and to put Sierra Leone above any other interests so as not to jeopardize the country's hard-won peace.

He also encouraged all sides to work together and uphold their commitment to the people of Sierra Leone to bolster stability and unity.