Annan commends participation in Central African Republic's electoral process

With the release today of the official results of the general elections in the Central African Republic (CAR), United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan commended the people of that country for participating actively in the electoral process and pledged continued UN support.

A UN spokesman said the Secretary-General took note of the announcement by the Joint Independent Electoral Commission (CEMI) of the outcome of the second round of presidential and legislative balloting, which "bring to a successful and peaceful end the transitional process in the CAR and the return to constitutional governance in the country."

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the readiness of the United Nations to continue to support the efforts of the people of the Central African Republic as a whole "as they embark on building a better future for their country based on peace, justice, respect of human rights and the rule of law," the statement added.

Mr. Annan also called on all segments of society to refrain from any action or statements likely to provoke violence or heighten tensions. "He urges all concerned parties to refer any electoral disputes to the competent authorities, as provided for in the electoral law," the statement said.