Mali's presidential poll 'major step' towards restoration of democracy – Security Council
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 16 August 2013 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Mali's presidential poll 'major step' towards restoration of democracy – Security Council, 16 August 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52132c324.html [accessed 17 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The successful conduct of the presidential election in Mali represents a "major step toward the restoration of democratic governance and constitutional order," the Security Council said today, urging the international community to continue its support to promote peace in the country.
In a statement to the press, the members of the Council commended the Malian people "for their peaceful participation in the electoral process" and the transitional authorities for the preparation, organization and management of the elections.
The provisional results were announced yesterday, declaring Ibrahim Boubacar Keita the winner. The elections are seen as an important step on the path to recovery for Mali. Since early 2012, the country has witnessed a military coup d'état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical Islamists.
The 15-member body reiterated its call on all signatories of the Ouagadougou Agreement of 18 June to fully implement its provisions, including the launch of inclusive and credible peace talks open to all communities of the north of Mali in the designated timeframe.
The agreement, signed in Burkina Faso, provides for an immediate ceasefire and commits the parties to discussing sustainable peace in Mali through an inclusive dialogue that will take place after the election.
The members of the Council also called for the swift holding of free, fair, transparent, and inclusive legislative elections, and stressed the importance of the national dialogue and reconciliation process.
In addition, they underlined the importance of the full operational deployment of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in northern Mali, as well as the reestablishment of State authority throughout the country, the continued implementation of the transitional road map, and the promotion of the rule of law and protection of human rights.
The peacekeeping mission's core task is to support the political process in Mali, in close coordination with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
