Secretary-General Welcomes Decision by President of Transition in Madagascar

 

Not to Run in May Presidential Election

 

The following statement was issued on 16 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision by Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Transition in Madagascar, not to run in the forthcoming presidential elections planned for May 2013.

President Rajoelina’s decision, as well as the earlier pledge by former President Marc Ravalomanana, should help facilitate the conduct of free and credible elections to bring an end to the transition.  It will be important to uphold the electoral calendar adopted by the National Independent Electoral Commission of the Transition (CENIT).  It is also critical that the 2011 road map to end the crisis, particularly provisions related to confidence-building measures, is fully implemented.  The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting the Government and the Malagasy people.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record