Secretary-General Welcomes Announcement of Provisional Election Results

in Democratic Republic of Congo; urges respect for final results

The following statement was issued on 20 August by the Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement today, by the Independent Electoral Commission of the provisional results of the presidential election, which was held together with national assembly elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 30 July.  These elections were a historic milestone in the peace process in the country.

The Secretary-General urges the Congolese parties and candidates to abide by the electoral law in the resolution of any disputes related to the electoral process.  He also urges them to accept and respect the final results of the elections, in a spirit of peace and reconciliation, when they are announced by the Independent Electoral Commission.

It should be noted that, the elections are a vital step in the long process of peace consolidation, with many major challenges ahead.  The United Nations remains deeply committed to supporting the people of Congo in their efforts to achieve lasting stability and democracy throughout the country, as well as sustained economic development.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record