Côte d’Ivoire: Ban welcomes successful completion of first round of presidential elections

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the successful completion of voting in the first round of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, which took place on Sunday.

In statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, he congratulated the Ivorian people and leadership for the peaceful environment in which the elections were held.

“As Côte d’Ivoire awaits the final results, the Secretary-General encourages all political leaders and national stakeholders to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed on election day and to refrain from any statements that may lead to violence or unrest,” the statement added.

The UN chief also reiterated his call on national stakeholders to resolve peacefully any disputes that may arise through established legal procedures.