“The Secretary-General calls on all Central Africans, including the candidates, to ensure that the presidential run-off and the new round of legislative elections, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 14 February, are conducted in a peaceful and credible manner,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, Sunday's polls will bring the country closer to the end of the transition and a return to constitutional order, which is important for political stability and long-term economic recovery.
“[Ban] urges them to resolve any dispute that may arise from the elections through established legal channels. Those who instigate or perpetrate acts of violence will be held accountable,” the statement added.
On January 25, the country’s Constitutional Court certified the presidential election results, and confirmed a run-off scheduled for January 31. However, the Court annulled the results of the parliamentary election because of irregularities.