January 17, 2002
The Security Council has authorised the UN peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone to help facilitate "the smooth holding of elections" in May. A resolution adopted unanimously emphasises "the importance of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections".
It says that all political parties should have the freedom to campaign and use the media. The Security Council welcomed the official completion of the disarmament process, but called for continued efforts to collect weapons in the hands of civilians, including ex-combatants.
It also commended "the significant progress made in the peace process" but added the situation in Sierra Leone "continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region".
In September, Sierra Leone's parliament backed President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah's decision to postpone presidential and parliamentary elections to May 14. Under the resolution, the UN force is authorised to provide logistical support to the National Electoral Commission.
This includes transporting and storing electoral materials and personnel, assisting international election observers, and moving ballots after the elections. It also authorised an increase in the 300-strong UN international police force.
The peacekeeping force was also given the go-ahead to facilitate "the free movement of people, goods and humanitarian assistance" and to provide "wide security and deterrence through its presence" before, during and after the elections.
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