Secretary-General Welcomes Announcement of Ivorian Presidential Election’s Final Results, Says Orderly Polling Conduct Signals Return towards Peace, Stability

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the publication of the final results of the presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire by the Constitutional Council on 2 November and congratulates President Alassane Ouattara on his re-election.

The Secretary-General also congratulates the people and Government of Côte d’Ivoire on the successful conclusion of the presidential election.  He applauds the Independent Electoral Commission for having organized and carried out the elections in a professional manner in accordance with the law and the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire.  He also wishes to acknowledge the role played by the different electoral observation teams, including from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.  He acknowledges in particular the commendable engagement of civil society, which contributed to enhance the transparency and credibility of the elections.

The Secretary-General believes the successful conduct of these polls confirms that Côte d'Ivoire is returning towards lasting peace and stability.  He commends the Ivorian leadership and people for their tireless efforts over the past five years to consolidate peace, and promote democracy and the rule of law.  He is hopeful that the same democratic and peaceful spirit will prevail in the conduct of the upcoming legislative elections.

The Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with President Alassane Ouattara and the people of Côte d’Ivoire in defining the future role of the United Nations in support of the consolidation of peace, stability and democracy in the country.