11 March 2012 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNIOGBIS Joseph Mutaboba today welcomed the relative peaceful environment noted during the first week of electoral campaign in Guinea-Bissau and urged candidates and their supporters to continue to refrain from offensive statements and verbal or physical violence which could lead to unnecessary tensions.

"The presidential elections require from all Bissau-Guinean actors a true commitment to peace. In this respect, I would like to appreciate the relative peaceful environment noted during the first week of electoral campaign and congratulate all the stakeholders for their respect for rule of law principles. I urge all candidates and their supporters to continue to refrain from any offensive statements, declarations or any verbal or physical violence which could lead to unnecessary tensions", Mutaboda says in a statement.

On 18 March Bissau-Guineans are called to elect a new President of Republic following the untimely demise of President Malam Bacai Sanhá in January. The electoral campaign started on 2 March, with an initial list of 10 candidates in the race but one independent finally pulled out. Among the candidates are the country's current Prime minister, two former Heads of State and the current Deputy Speaker of the Parliament.

The SRSG also calls on "all institutions to conduct themselves within the rules and laws governing elections in the country under the core electoral principles, neutrality, impartiality and independence" to ensure the elections are free, fair, peaceful and transparent. A "special appeal goes to the press for objective and inclusive coverage".

In his statement, Mutaboba commends Guinea-Bissau authorities for the establishment of a Joint Command with a country-wide structure, composed of select members of the police and the defence forces, and assisted by United Nations "to ensure a safe and secure environment before, during and after 18 March elections in strict compliance with international standards and national legal framework."

As he considers the presidential elections a milestone in the upholding of the constitutional order as well as peace building, the Special Representative reminds that "the international community's response in providing much needed financial resources for the process" is a signal of partners' confidence in Guinea-Bissau and commitment to help the country during these trying times.

Finally, Mutaboba stated that the United Nations "stands ready to continue supporting the people of Guinea-Bissau in their further consolidation of a democratic society."