Benin: Ban Welcomes Successful Staging Of First Round Ballot

Benin: Ban Welcomes Successful Staging Of First Round Of Presidential Ballot

New York, Mar 14 2011 8:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the “peaceful and orderly” conduct of the first round of presidential elections in Benin, saying the West African country had set a positive example by organizing the ballot without major incident.

The election’s first round – twice delayed because of concerns over the credibility of the process – took place yesterday, with media reports indicating that President Boni Yayi and opposition candidate Adrien Houngbedji were likely to advance to a run-off round.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5138">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said the successful staging of the first round was “a testament to the patience and civic responsibility of the people of Benin,” particularly given the challenge posed by the recent introduction of a new voter registration system.

“The Secretary-General acknowledges the responsibility shown by all presidential candidates and calls upon them to respect the final results and, if necessary, to resolve, through peaceful, legal means, any disputes that might arise from the electoral process.

“Consolidating democratic gains under way since the restoration of democracy in Benin in 1990 will require all political leaders to continue to place the nation’s highest interests first.”

ENDS

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