SG/SM/9529
AFG/264
12 October 2004
Secretary-General Applauds Voter Enthusiasm in Afghanistan Election; Urges any Irregularities to Be Resolved Lawfully
NEW YORK, 11 October (UN Headquarters) -- This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General was pleased to learn of the enthusiastic voter turnout in Saturday’s poll for Afghanistan’s first elected President. It presented the Afghans with a historic opportunity towards the establishment of a stable and democratic State for which they have worked so hard and deserve. That this election was held without major security incident is a tribute to the determination of the Afghan population.
A number of Presidential candidates have cited some electoral irregularities which are being investigated. The Secretary-General urges the Presidential candidates and their supporters to continue to work through lawful measures to resolve such disputes.
The Secretary-General calls on the Afghans, with the support of the international community, to work in concert to ensure Afghanistan’s transition to a peaceful and democratic nation.
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