President George Manneh Weah has called on prospective candidates for the October 2023 presidential and legislative elections to avoid inciting violence, and any other behavior that could deprive Liberians of the peaceful space that they need to freely exercise their franchise, and freely express their political will in choosing their leaders.

Addressing the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations Thursday, 23 September in New York, President Weah noted the forthcoming elections will be crucial to consolidating the country's democracy.

Liberia goes to elections in October next year in which President Weah is seeking re-election.

"We must let the people decide, and then we must respect their decision. That is indeed the true essence of democracy", President Weah stressed.

He underscored his government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that the enabling environment continues to exist for the conduct of peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, adding "This is in keeping with my commitment to ensure that the democratic will of the Liberian people is respected at all times."

He said at regional conferences of the Mano River Union and ECOWAS to discuss efforts to restore democracy in a few trouble spots in the West African region, Liberia has constantly and consistently pleaded for strict adherence to constitutional term limits, and for a return to democratic civilian rule in cases of military takeovers, as it has happened in Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, respectively.

Meanwhile, President said the Government of Liberia will continue to count on the United Nations, and various bilateral and multilateral partners, for financial, technical, and institutional capacity-building support, ahead of the elections.

The theme of the U.N. 77th General Assembly is "A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges."