SECRETARY-GENERAL commends people of CENTRALAFRICANREPUBLIC

 

for participating actively in electoral process

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement on 24 May 2005 by the Joint Independent Electoral Commission (CEMI) of the official results of the second round of the presidential and legislative elections in the Central African Republic that bring to a successful and peaceful end the transitional process in the Central African Republic and the return to constitutional governance in the country.

He commends in particular the people of the Central African Republic for participating actively in the electoral process.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to continue to support the efforts of the people of the Central African Republic as a whole, as they embark on building a better future for their country based on peace, justice, respect of human rights and the rule of law.

The Secretary-General calls on all segments of society to refrain from any action or statements likely to provoke violence or heighten tensions.  In this regard, he urges all concerned parties to refer any electoral disputes to the competent authorities, as provided for in the electoral law.

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