Accra, Sept. 19, GNA - The National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Wednesday congratulated Sierra Leone's new President Ernest Bai Koroma on his election. The NDC in a statement signed by Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary, advised the new president to concentrate more of his time and efforts on the pursuit of national unity, economic reconstruction and achievement of better standards of living for the average Sierra Leonean rather than engaging in political witch hunting and victimisation of members of the outgoing regime.

The NDC said it noted with satisfaction the mature and courageous manner in which Sierra Leoneans conducted the vote that led to the election of the former opposition leader as the new President. "The party takes this opportunity to congratulate the incumbent governing party for conceding defeat and submitting to the will of the good people of Sierra Leone."

President Bai Koroma defeated former vice president Solomon Berewa in a run-off last week.