After Presidential Election in Gabon, Secretary-General Says Successful Conclusion of Electoral Process Will Mark Important Step in Consolidating Democracy

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

The Secretary-General congratulates the people and Government of Gabon on the peaceful and orderly conduct of the presidential election held on 27 August.  He hopes the same spirit of peace and transparency will prevail before and following the official announcement of the provisional results, which should reflect the will of the people.  He stresses the importance for all political stakeholders to abide by the electoral law and refrain from making remarks on the outcome of the election before it is known.

The Secretary-General calls on all Gabonese to accept the results of the election and to address any disputes they may have through existing legal and constitutional means.  He asks all stakeholders to refrain from inciting or taking part in any acts of violence.  The successful conclusion of the electoral process will mark an important step forward in the consolidation of democracy and rule of law in Gabon.

The Secretary-General has asked his Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, Abdoulaye Bathily, to continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to defuse tensions.