As Gabon high court upholds results in presidential poll, Ban says UN will support democratic process

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken note of the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Gabon on the appeals lodged against the preliminary results of the 27 August 2016 presidential poll, as well as its confirmation of Ali Bongo Ondimba as President-elect, according to a statement issued by a UN spokesperson today, which adds that the Organization will continue to support the democratic process in the West African country.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the call by the President-elect for national dialogue. Such a dialogue must be representative of all stakeholders towards national reconciliation, inclusive governance, and the adoption of consensual measures for peaceful and credible legislative elections in December 2016, the statement said.

Mr. Ban in the statement goes on to say that at this critical and sensitive juncture in the country's history, it is of utmost importance that all actors demonstrate maximum restraint and fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“The Secretary-General calls for the release of any persons detained arbitrarily during the electoral process,” said the statement, noting that the UN remains committed to supporting the democratic process and sustainable development in Gabon, and will continue to work closely with national, regional and international partners in that regard.

Following the late August election, clashes broke out out between protesters and security forces after the 31 August release of official provisional results, which declared President Bongo the winner, reportedly by a margin of less than 6,000 votes. According to media reports, hundreds of people were arrested.