Annan hails DRC elections

2006-10-31 07:20

New York - United Nations chief Kofi Annan has hailed the generally peaceful conduct of the second-round presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, says the world body.

A UN statement said: "The secretary-general is pleased that voters were able to cast their ballots in a generally free and calm environment on Sunday, although he is concerned at the violent incidents that took place in Equateur province and near Bunia in Ituri district."

Annan also welcomed the October 29 signing by representatives of DRC incumbent President Laurent Kabila and vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba, of a declaration of intent regarding their conduct after the elections.

25m DRC citizens registered

The UN chief also called on the DRC presidential candidates and their supporters to "exercise patience and restraint, and to take all possible steps to prevent any acts of violence while waiting for results to be announced by the Independent Electoral Commission".

More than 25 million DRC citizens were registered to choose between Kabila, who took a lead in July's first round, and Bemba, a businessman and former rebel who became a vice-president during a three-year transition from war to peace.

Although counting was to start immediately, provisional results were not expected on November 19, while those from the provincial parliamentary polls were due in December.

Two election officials were killed in one of a number of incidents that marred the polls.

The deaths touched off a wave of anger among local people, who had been prey for years to extortion by soldiers and a 3 000-strong rebel militia.

- AFP