UN chief welcomes conclusion of Egyptian presidential election

UNITED NATIONS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the conclusion of Egypt's presidential election process, urging the president-elect to ensure a more prosperous and stable Egypt, said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson here on Sunday.

Ban commended the Egyptian people for the peaceful atmosphere in which these elections were held. He congratulated Mohamed Morsy on his election and trusted that he will spare no effort in " ensuring the people of Egypt realize their aspirations for greater democracy, the promotion of human rights, and a more prosperous and stable Egypt for all of its citizens," said the statement.

The Egyptian Higher Presidential Election Commission (HPEC) announced on Sunday that Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohamed Morsi has won the presidential election.

Morsi, chairman of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, got 51.73 percent of votes in the run-off, defeating his rival Ahmed Shafiq who got 48.27 percent.

In the statement, Ban stressed the need to strengthen and build strong, independent institutions and to allow civil society to flourish and to play its role fully and freely.

"The imminent handover of power to the elected president marks the end of one important phase of Egypt's ongoing transition to greater democracy," Ban noted.