The United States government has commended the people of Sierra Leone who had recently turned out in overwhelming numbers to vote in the third successful presidential and parliamentary election since the end of the country's civil war in 2002.

A statement by the Spokesperson of the Department of State, Ms Victoria Nuland, reads: "We congratulate President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election, and urge all parties to accept the results as representing the will of Sierra Leone's voting public."

The statement said grievances related to the election must be resolved through Sierra Leone's judiciary, in accordance with the rule of law. We urge all party leaders to refrain from actions that incite violence or encourage acts of retribution.

"We call on the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties Registration Commission, and other stakeholders to address any electoral deficiencies and further strengthen Sierra Leonean democracy."