Ban congratulated the people of Burkina Faso for their enthusiastic participation, which showed their strong commitment to the democratic process, said a statement of Ban’s spokesman, Xinhua reported on Monday.
“In particular, the Secretary-General salutes the strong participation of women in the electoral process,” the statement said.
As Burkina Faso awaits the results, Ban encouraged “all political leaders and national stakeholders to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed on Election Day,” it said.
He also called on “all parties to resolve any dispute that might arise through established legal procedures.”
The election came after President Blaise Compaore’s resignation in October 2014 amid popular insurrection against his attempt to stand for a new term after 27 years in power.
The elections, originally scheduled for October 11, were delayed after a coup attempt in September by presidential guards loyal to Compaore to overturn the interim government. (IANS)