Cape Verde: Ban commends ‘peaceful and credible’ presidential poll

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the peaceful staging of presidential elections in Cape Verde, saying they illustrate the West African country’s continued adherence to democracy and good governance.

Jorge Carlos Fonseca of the Movement for Democracy party defeated Manuel Inocêncio Sousa in the run-off round of the presidential ballot last Sunday, and will now serve a five-year term as the country’s leader, according to media reports.

In a statement issued today by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban noted that the elections have been “widely acclaimed by international observers as peaceful and credible.”

The Secretary-General commended Cape Verdeans for the orderly voting process, “which testifies to their commitment to preserving and enhancing the country’s long-standing tradition of democracy and good governance.”

Cape Verde became independent from Portugal in 1975.

Mr. Ban also voiced the readiness of the United Nations to support the people and Government of Cape Verde in their efforts to promote peace and social and economic development.