Encouraged by Peaceful Electoral Process in Mali, Secretary-General Urges Citizens to Make Polls ‘an Important Celebration of Democracy’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Mali ahead of the presidential election scheduled to take place on 29 July.  On the eve of these polls, which are important for peace and reconciliation in Mali, the Secretary-General is encouraged by the overall peaceful climate that has characterized the electoral campaign to date, despite continued security challenges in the north and centre of the country.

The Secretary-General calls on all Malians to maintain the peaceful course, thereby ensuring that Sunday’s elections serve as an important celebration of democracy.  The Secretary-General urges all political actors in Mali to commit to making this poll a peaceful, free and transparent process, and to resolve any possible dispute through the appropriate institutions in accordance with the law.

The Secretary-General stresses that peace and reconciliation for all Malian citizens must prevail, irrespective of the electoral outcome.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the electoral process in Mali.