SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGES CENTRAL AFRICANS TO "FREELY CHOOSE" THEIR PRESIDENT IN COMING ELECTION

Press Release
SG/SM/7135
AFR/171

SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGES CENTRAL AFRICANS TO ‘FREELY CHOOSE’ THEIR PRESIDENT IN COMING ELECTION

This statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

On the eve of the presidential election in the Central African Republic, which will take place on 19 September 1999, the Secretary- General wishes to encourage Central Africans to use this important opportunity to express themselves and freely choose their President. The Central African Electoral Commission (CEMI), the donors and MINURCA have done everything possible to prepare for transparent and credible presidential elections. The Secretary-General calls on all concerned –- the Government, the Opposition and the people of the Central African Republic -– to demonstrate their responsibility in exercising this important democratic function.

The Secretary-General very much hopes that, through their active and peaceful participation in these elections, the Central African voters will contribute to the advancement of democracy, development and stability in their country, as well as in Africa, a continent which is now embarked on a course towards democracy and good governance that should not be reversed.

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