Annan appeals for successful elections in DRC

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on all candidates and political parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday to ensure the success of the coming elections to be held at the end of October.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Annan called on the two candidates to adhere to the electoral calendar, which sets Oct. 29 as the date both for the second presidential round and for the provincial assembly elections, and to reach an early agreement both on the rules of conduct for the electoral campaign and on mutual assurances for security and political engagement thereafter.

He also called on all candidates and political parties to ensure that the Oct. 29 elections are conducted in conditions of security, and are credible and transparent, and to respect the outcome.

"Any incitement to hatred and violence during the electoral period is unacceptable, and anyone engaging in such activity must be held accountable," the secretary-general stressed.

Annan also reiterated that the United Nations remains committed to provide all possible support to the Congolese people in holding peaceful and successful elections on October 29.

Source: Xinhua