Annan hails presidential election in Togo

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the presidential election in Togo on Sunday, saying "the successful and peaceful conclusion" of the polling process would contribute to the country's future stability and prosperity, a UN spokesman said Sunday.

"Given the deep emotions felt by the different candidates and their supporters during the difficult electoral campaign, the secretary-general commends the sense of political and civic responsibility demonstrated by the leaders and the population," the spokesman said in a statement.

As the country's population awaits the official results, Annan appealed for calm and urged the parties to refer any electoral disputes to the appropriate authorities in accord with the Electoral Code, the spokesman added.

The secretary-general considers that "the successful and peaceful conclusion of the election would provide the people of Togo and their international partners with a sound platform on which to build a stable transition towards sustainable national reconciliation, political stability and economic recovery," the spokesman said.

The statement also reiterated the support of the United Nations for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which played an important facilitation role in helping Togo organize a peaceful and credible poll.

Togolese lined up in front of polling stations Sunday morning, casting their votes to choose a new president for the country which was plunged into political uncertainty after the death of long-serving President Gnassingbe Eyadema.

The recent turmoil in Togo began in February when Eyadema died and his son, Faure Gnassingbe, was appointed head of state despite a constitutional requirement that the country be led by the president of the National Assembly until fresh elections could be held. In late February, Gnassingbe stepped down, and a presidential election was called for April.