Taking Note of Gabon Court Ruling on Appeals Lodged against Ballot Results, Secretary-General Welcomes Call by President-Elect for National Dialogue

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

The Secretary-General takes note of the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Gabon on the appeals lodged against the preliminary results of the 27 August presidential election, as well as its confirmation of Ali Bongo Ondimba as the President-elect.

The Secretary-General welcomes the call by the President-elect for national dialogue.  Such a dialogue must be representative of all stakeholders towards national reconciliation, inclusive governance, and the adoption of consensual measures for peaceful and credible legislative elections in December.

At this critical and sensitive juncture in the country’s history, it is of utmost importance that all actors demonstrate maximum restraint and fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.  The Secretary-General calls for the release of any persons detained arbitrarily during the electoral process.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting the democratic process and sustainable development in Gabon and will continue to work closely with national, regional and international partners in this regard.