Pursue Electoral Disputes through Legal Mechanisms, Says Secretary-General,

Urging Calm, Restraint at ‘Critical Juncture’ in Malawi

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

The Secretary-General has been following closely the electoral process in Malawi and has taken note of the developments in the past few weeks, including the announcement of results on 30 May by the Malawi Electoral Commission.  At this critical juncture in Malawi, he urges all parties to continue to call for calm among their supporters, exercise restraint in the spirit of the Lilongwe Peace Declaration of 10 May, and respect the constitutional provisions.

The Secretary-General calls on all candidates, political parties and their supporters to pursue any complaints or disputes arising from the electoral process through the existing legal mechanisms.  He reiterates his call on political leaders to urge their supporters to work together to consolidate democracy and maintain stability in Malawi.

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For information media • not an official record