Ban welcomes validation of final results in Madagascar's presidential poll
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 19 January 2014 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Ban welcomes validation of final results in Madagascar's presidential poll, 19 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52de498a4.html [accessed 18 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. |
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the validation of the final results of Madagascar's presidential election, and called on the new administration to reach out to the opposition and to lead the country in the interest of all its citizens.
"He calls on all candidates to abide by the ruling of the Special Electoral Court and to channel any complaints peacefully through the established legal avenues," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement issued on Saturday.
Hery Rajaonarimampianina was reportedly announced the winner of the 20 December presidential run-off by Madagascar's electoral court on Friday after attaining 53.5 per cent of the vote.
His rival, Jean Louis Robinson, who garnered 46.5 per cent, has alleged widespread vote rigging and has said he will continue to challenge the outcome, according to media reports.
Mr. Ban's spokesperson noted that the closely contested election was assessed as "peaceful and orderly" by international observers.
"The Secretary-General calls on the new administration to reach out to the opposition and to lead the country in the interest of all its citizens. He encourages the political leaders and state institutions to work together toward genuine reconciliation, the deepening of democratic governance and economic recovery."
The UN, the statement added, will continue its support to development and democratic progress in Madagascar.
