UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed the hope that the legislative elections and a constitutional referendum planned for Sunday in Guinea will be peaceful and transparent, said his spokesman.
Guterres is closely following developments in the West African country and takes note of President Alpha Conde's decision to hold legislative elections and a constitutional referendum on Sunday, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.
The secretary-general called on all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and transparent process. He reiterated his call for a constructive dialogue between the government, the opposition and civil society that seeks to achieve consensus through an inclusive process, said the statement.
The United Nations is ready to support such efforts, including through Mohamed Ibn Chambas, special representative of the secretary-general for West Africa and the Sahel, it said.
Conde on Friday announced the new date for the legislative elections and constitutional referendum. Initially scheduled for Feb. 16, the date has been postponed twice, first to March 1, and then March 22.
