Secretary-General applauds voter enthusiasm in Afghanistan election;

 

urges ANY irregularities to be resolved lawfully

 

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was pleased to learn of the enthusiastic voter turnout in Saturday’s poll for Afghanistan’s first elected President.  It presented the Afghans with a historic opportunity towards the establishment of a stable and democratic State for which they have worked so hard and deserve.  That this election was held without major security incident is a tribute to the determination of the Afghan population.

A number of Presidential candidates have cited some electoral irregularities which are being investigated.  The Secretary-General urges the Presidential candidates and their supporters to continue to work through lawful measures to resolve such disputes.

The Secretary-General calls on the Afghans, with the support of the international community, to work in concert to ensure Afghanistan’s transition to a peaceful and democratic nation.

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