Secretary-General Welcomes Peaceful Parliamentary Elections in Fiji,

Voicing Hope ‘Important Step’ Will Further Transition to Democracy

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections on 17 September.  He commends the people of Fiji for exercising their constitutional right to vote.

As Fiji awaits the final results, the Secretary-General encourages all to continue to maintain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the rest of the electoral process and to resolve any disputes that might arise through the established legal process.

The Secretary-General hopes this election will mark an important step forward for the country’s transition to democracy.  He calls on all actors to engage constructively in this transition.  The United Nations reiterates its readiness to work with the new elected authorities and the people of Fiji.

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For information media • not an official record