Secretary-General, Concerned by Upsurge in Tensions in Senegal Ahead of Election,

 

Urges All Parties to Use Peaceful Means to Resolve Electoral Grievances

 

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

The Secretary-General is concerned about the upsurge of tensions in Senegal ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 26 February 2012.

The Secretary-General urges all political parties and national stakeholders to refrain from violence in the pursuit of their objectives and to pursue peaceful means to resolve all electoral grievances.

The Secretary-General calls upon all concerned actors to create enabling conditions for transparent, credible and peaceful elections that reflect the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the people of Senegal.  He stresses the need for the authorities to act in a manner that preserves and consolidates Senegal’s democratic traditions, which have laid the foundations for its long history of stability and social cohesion.

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For information media • not an official record