“The Secretary-General commends the Guinean Government, institutions and all other national stakeholders for their contribution to the organization and conduct of these elections,” Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Guinea’s long-delayed legislative election was held on 28 September, following talks in Conakry between the Government and opposition parties.

An agreement to hold elections in September was signed in Conakry, the country’s capital, on 3 July, at the end of the UN-mediated inter-Guinean political dialogue that was launched on 28 March.

Ban commended the sustained efforts of the College of Facilitators and the Follow-up Committee of the 3 July Agreement on the organization of the elections, under the leadership of his Special Representative for West Africa.

“The Secretary-General hopes that a peaceful atmosphere will be maintained,” the statement read.

“He calls on all parties to maintain calm and to resolve any disputes through legal channels. The United Nations will continue to support Guinea’s efforts to strengthen its democratic governance and institutions.”

Woman voting in the Hamdallaye area of Conakry, the capital of Guinea in June 2010. Photo: IRIN/Nancy Palus