Security Council Press Statement on Burundi

 

The following Security Council press statement on Burundi was issued today by Council President Claude Heller (Mexico):

The members of the Security Council commend the advances in the Burundian peace process and the consolidation of the democratic debate in that country.  The members of the Council commend in particular the large participation of the Burundian population in the recent communal elections from 24 May 2010, which demonstrated their commitment to democracy and peace.

The members of the Council call upon all the political stakeholders of Burundi to participate fully in the electoral process, in particular the legislative and senatorial elections scheduled for 23 and 28 July 2010, to respect the result of the polls and to work to ensure the proper conduct of the presidential election scheduled for 28 June 2010.  The members of the Council underline the importance of ensuring an inclusive, peaceful, free and fair electoral process in the spirit of reconciliation enshrined in the Burundian Constitution and in respect of the electoral code of Burundi.  The members of the Council recall the need to respect the legal framework, including the existing legal mechanisms, to manage possible disputes emerging from the electoral process.  The members of the Council encourage the Independent National Electoral Commission to dialogue with all political parties, within the scope of its mandate.

The members of the Council condemn any recourse to violence.  The members of the Council underline that Burundi has the opportunity to provide an example to Africa and the rest of the world of a country that has come together and emerged from conflict and progressed towards democracy, stability and development.

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For information media • not an official record