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UN chief calls for "peaceful and credible elections" in Central African Republic

Xinhua, February 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday called on all Central Africans, including the candidates, to ensure that the presidential run-off and the new round of legislative elections, scheduled to take place Sunday, are conducted "in a peaceful and credible manner."

"The secretary-general calls on all stakeholders to maintain an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections, in keeping with the spirit of the Code of Conduct signed by the candidates and political parties," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

Ban urged them to resolve any dispute that may arise from the elections through established legal channels, while warning that those who instigate or perpetrate acts of violence would be held accountable.

Voters in the Central African Republic will go to the polls Sunday for the delayed second round of presidential elections.

None of the 30 presidential candidates secured the required 50 percent majority in the first round of voting on Dec. 30, 2015.

The elections are expected to be conducive to ending the long chaos in the Central African Republic.

A civil war in the African country broke out on Dec. 10, 2012 between Seleka rebel coalition and government forces. Seleka took power from the then president Francois Bozize in March 2013 and the rebel's leader Michel Djotodia declared himself as president.

"Sunday's polls will bring the country closer to the end of the transition and a return to constitutional order. These are important steps towards political stability and long-term economic recovery," said Ban, who commended the Transitional Authorities for their efforts to complete the transition process by March 31, 2016.

The secretary-general also recalled the significant support provided by the UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to the electoral process, reiterating the Mission's determination "to take all necessary measures to prevent any disruption of Sunday's elections." Endit