Secretary-General statement on the announcement of the results of the presidential and gubernatorial elections in Comoros

The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement made today by theSupreme Court of the resultsof the 24 March 2019 presidential and gubernatorial elections in Comoros. He expresseshisdeep concernoverthe reports of violence and fatalities as well as arrests of political opponents and restrictions on media. Heunderscores the imperative of upholding the rule of law and the respect of fundamental rights.

The Secretary-General urges the Comorian authorities and other national stakeholders to refrain from any actionlikely to heighten the current tensions.

The Secretary-General echoes the call made by the African Union on 29 March, supported by the European Union and by the Indian Ocean Commission, for an inclusive dialogue, under the leadership of the AU. He reiterates the UN’s readiness to support such efforts to promotenational cohesion, peace, stability and development in the Union of the Comoros.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.