Following Sunday’s presidential run-off vote, Mr. Ban spoke by telephone with the two men, congratulating them and the people of Senegal for the exemplary manner in which both rounds of the presidential elections were conducted, according to information released by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson.

Both Mr. Ban and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, had voiced their concerns about the polls after a campaign marred by several deadly incidents. Protesters angry about Mr. Wade’s decision to seek a third term had taken to the streets of the capital, Dakar, and other cities in the run-up to the elections.

The Secretary-General commended Mr. Wade for his gracious and statesmanlike actions, his spokesperson said.

Mr. Ban also underlined the high sense of civic responsibility displayed by all political actors and civil society throughout the process, which he said was indicative of Senegal’s strong democratic commitment.