Secretary-General hopes for high voter turnout, peaceful reaction

 

to results in Timor-Leste’s second round of elections

 

Following is United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the second round of presidential elections in Timor-Leste, taking place 9 May:

With the second round of elections on 9 May, the people of Timor-Leste will choose a new President who will lead the process of consolidating democracy in the country.

Time and again over the past seven and a half years, the Timorese people have demonstrated their commitment to participating in the democratic process.  They did so again in last month’s first round, which saw a high voter turnout, including many young people.

I trust that in this second round, the turnout will be just as enthusiastic.  I call upon both candidates and their supporters to react to the results in a peaceful manner, and to raise any concerns they may have about the process through the appropriate legal channels.

The United Nations remains steadfastly committed to continuing to assist the Timorese people in the work for development, peace and democracy.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record