Brussels, 09/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Pleased with the peaceful way in which the second round of presidential elections in the Republic of Guinea had unfolded on 7 November, the European Union encourages following the democratic process through to its conclusion. Speaking on behalf of the EU, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, said in a press release published on 8 November: “The second round of presidential elections in the Republic of Guinea was a crucial step in sustaining the country's democratisation process. I warmly congratulate the Guinean voters for showing in a peaceful manner their commitment to this historical process of transition to democracy”.
Given the difficult context of the elections, the high representative added: “It is now of paramount importance that the Independent National Election Commission ensures transparency of the process until the end and publishes as soon as available the detailed results of this election in full respect of existing procedures”. She called upon the “citizens and political actors in Guinea to remain committed to a responsible attitude and to solve any possible complaint or dispute related to the electoral process through legal means”. After the first round of the election on 27 June, this second round had been postponed twice. (A.N./transl.jl)