Secretary-General Welcomes Conduct of First Round of Presidential

 

Elections in Benin, Calls for Respect for Final Results

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of yesterday’s first round of presidential elections in Benin.   This is a testament to the patience and civic responsibility of the people of Benin.   The Secretary-General commends Benin for setting a positive example once again in having organized these polls without major incident and despite significant challenges related to the introduction of a new voter registration system.   The Secretary-General acknowledges the responsibility shown by all presidential candidates and calls upon them to respect the final results and, if necessary, to resolve, through peaceful, legal means, any disputes that might arise from the electoral process.   Consolidating democratic gains under way since the restoration of democracy in Benin in 1990 will require all political leaders to continue to place the nation’s highest interests first.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record