UN chief urges "peaceful, transparent" presidential elections in Burkina Faso

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called for "peaceful and transparent" presidential and legislative elections in Burkina Faso, as the landlocked West African country is voting to choose a new president in decades.

The elections "will mark the end of the transition period in Burkina Faso," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman. "The secretary-general calls on all national stakeholders to uphold their commitments throughout the process."

Voters in Burkina Faso cast ballots in its presidential and legislative elections on Sunday.

Ban called on all stakeholders to ensure that the polls are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner that respects the will of the people of Burkina Faso, the statement said. "He further calls on them to resolve disputes that may arise from the electoral process through established legal channels."

The secretary-general reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the efforts of the democratically-elected authorities of Burkina Faso to consolidate peace and stability and to advance democratic governance, said the statement.

The elections came as a landmark moment for the country that had been ruled by Blaise Compaore for 27 years until last October when his attempt to prolong his presidency ignited nationwide protests. A transitional government returned to power after a failed military coup on Sept. 16. Enditem