Secretary-General Says Tunisia Elections Key Step in Country’s Democratic

 

Transition, Significant Development in Region’s Transformation

 

The following statement was issued on 23 October by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Earlier this year, the people of Tunisia inspired the region and the world when they stood up courageously to demand democracy, freedom and dignity.  Today, they have taken another important step.  The Secretary-General congratulates the people and interim authorities of Tunisia for holding a historic Constituent Assembly election on 23 October in a peaceful and orderly manner.  He commends the Independent High Authority for the Elections (Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Elections — ISIE) for its role in ensuring a transparent electoral process.

This landmark election constitutes a key step in the democratic transition of the country and a significant development in the overall democratic transformation in North Africa and the Middle East.  The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to remain committed to the principles of inclusiveness and transparency throughout the remaining parts of the transition process.

The participation of women and youth in the transition process is of key importance for its success.

The Secretary-General is pleased that the United Nations was able, at the request of the Tunisian authorities, to provide technical electoral assistance to support the elections organized and managed by Tunisia.  The Secretary-General stresses that Tunisia’s people and authorities will always find the United Nations ready to offer its full support as they move towards a better and democratic future for themselves and for the generations to come.

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For information media • not an official record