The United States and Britain on Tuesday issued a joint statement calling for free, fair and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone.

In the joint statement, the two countries called on all Sierra Leoneans to actively take part in the elections, to abide by the rule of law, and to respect the final results.

Hailing Sierra Leone's "considerable progress" over the last decade, the two governments viewed this year's elections as " critical" for consolidating the country's gains already being achieved.

"We also urge Sierra Leone's presidential and parliamentary candidates to adhere to Sierra Leone's democratic and electoral processes, to renounce violence and incitement to violence, and to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent," said the statement.

Putting high value on the friendship with the West African country, the two close allies expressed their willingness to work with it to ensure development and peace in the region.

Sierra Leone is due to hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday.