Brussels, 26 March 2012/ ACP: The Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, H.E Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas has applauded the Republic of Senegal for a successful and transparent election process, which concluded Sunday 25 March with a new president-elect Mr Macky Sall.

The Secretary General commended the government and people of Senegal, underlining that the free and fair elections confirmed the nation’s democratic standards.

“Senegal is one of the bastions of democracy in West Africa. To see this tradition maintained despite earlier trials and amidst troubles in neighbouring Mali is very hopeful for us and for Africa as a whole. It is a proud moment for Senegal. To top this off, the graceful acceptance of the outcome by the outgoing President Abdoulaye Wade, and both leaders’ willingness to preserve peace during the handover of power is significant and worthy of praise,” said Dr Chambas.

“The ACP Group stands by its commitment to promoting peace, good governance and democracy in our member states. We cannot underestimate the criticality of these principles in bringing about stability and prosperity to our societies, and we look towards Senegal as one of the key examples of this process.”

Mr Sall will be sworn in as the 4th President of Senegal and Head of State on 1 April 2012./ END

(Photo bySEYLLOU/ AFP)