Mauritania: UN chief says 'disagreements' over referendum results must be addressed peacefully
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 8 August 2017 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Mauritania: UN chief says 'disagreements' over referendum results must be addressed peacefully, 8 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/598b04304.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| 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. |
Following Mauritania's 5 August constitutional referendum, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has encouraged all stakeholders to ensure that disagreements are addressed peacefully within the confines of the law and respect for the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
Mauritanians went to the polls this past Saturday, with the electoral commission announcing on Sunday that the results were in favour of a constitutional amendment that abolishes the Senate and alters the national flag.
According to media reports, opposition parties leading a boycott movement declared that they would not recognize the results of the vote.
"The Secretary-General calls on all Mauritanians to work together to deepen the rule of law and promote social cohesion and national unity," Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a statement.
