UN / Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

NEW YORK, December 9, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement of the provisional results of the presidential elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which indicate that President Joseph Kabila garnered the most votes. The Secretary-General calls for any differences regarding the provisional results of the polls to be resolved peacefully through available legal and mediation mechanisms, including the National Mediation Committee.

The Secretary-General continues to follow the situation closely and strongly condemns any acts of violence in connection with the electoral process in the DRC. He reiterates his call for calm and urges all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and refrain from any acts of violence, provocation and incitement to violence.

New York, 9 December 2011