Commending Peaceful Presidential Election, Secretary-General Calls Zambia’s Long Record of Democratic Transitions ‘an Example in the Region’

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

The Secretary-General has been closely following the recent presidential election in Zambia.  He congratulates the people, Government and political parties of Zambia, as well as the electoral authorities, for the peaceful manner in which the country organized its presidential election, despite difficult weather conditions.  Zambia's long record of peaceful transitions through proper democratic processes is an example in the region.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to continue to work with the Government of Zambia to press ahead with its national priorities and to support the Government and people of Zambia as we all move towards a new sustainable development agenda.