FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) - Political parties in Sierra Leone say a top U.N. representative to the nation is leaving as polls approach later this year.

Michael von der Schulenburg is scheduled to leave Monday.

The governing party said their relationship with him was "cordial and fruitful." They denied media reports that he was declared persona non grata in the West African nation and said his departure was an internal U.N. matter. The opposition party also praised him and expressed concerns over his withdrawal ahead of November presidential and parliamentary polls. They say the U.N. has played a vital role in overseeing recent elections.

A local U.N. representative declined to discuss the reasons for his departure.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)