Secretary-General Welcomes Large Voter Turnout in Guinea-Bissau Presidential

Run-off Vote, Urging All Concerned to Help Consolidate Stability

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of yesterday’s run-off presidential election in Guinea-Bissau.  Once again, Bissau-Guineans have demonstrated their commitment to peace and democracy by turning out in large numbers to cast their ballots.  The Secretary-General reiterates his call to the candidates and their supporters to respect the official results once announced by the Supreme Court and to follow existing legal procedures to resolve any electoral disputes that may arise.

The successful conclusion of the elections will go a long way to restoring constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.  The Secretary-General calls on all Bissau-Guineans, their leaders and institutions to seize this opportunity to usher in and consolidate the stability that has eluded the country for too long.  The United Nations remains committed to supporting Guinea-Bissau on its path to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future based on the rule of law.

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For information media • not an official record