Lauding peaceful polls, Ban encourages Algerians to work together to strengthen democracy

Incumbent Abdelaziz Bouteflika reportedly won last week’s poll, garnering over 80 per cent of the votes cast in the North African nation.

Ban, who has closely followed the elections, had deployed – at the request of the Government – a three-member panel of experts to the country to follow the electoral process and keep him abreast of the latest developments.

“The Secretary-General wishes to congratulate the people and the Government of Algeria for the overall peaceful manner in which the presidential elections were held,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“He encourages the Government of Algeria and all political parties in the country to work together in an inclusive and peaceful manner to maintain stability and strengthen the democratic process in Algeria.”

Ban also reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Algeria’s efforts toward democratic reforms as well as sustainable socio-economic development.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47637&Cr=Algeria&Cr1=#.U1o-LqJUNAI