The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General will be following with anticipation the presidential and legislative elections due to be held on 23 January in the Central African Republic. These elections are an important element of the recommendations of the Inclusive Political Dialogue held between the Government, the political opposition and other movements in order to consolidate peace in the country.
The Secretary-General welcomes the recent signing of the code of conduct for the election, and commends all of the candidates and parties for participating in a peaceful campaign process which ends today. It is important that these elections are credible, transparent and inclusive and that the results are respected by all candidates and parties in accordance with the code of conduct.
The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA) and the United Nations Country Team have been working with the Central African authorities to help consolidate peace in the country. The Secretary-General commends their efforts, and hopes that the electoral process will help lay the foundation for stability and the development of the Central African Republic.
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