Mauritania: UN chief says 'disagreements' over referendum results must be addressed peacefully

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 09 Aug 2017

World Bank/Scott Wallace

New York, Aug 9(Just Earth News): Following Mauritania's 5 August constitutional referendum, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has encouraged all stakeholders to ensure that disagreements are addressed peacefully within the confines of the law and respect for the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.

Mauritanians went to the polls this past Saturday, with the electoral commission announcing on Sunday that the results were in favour of a constitutional amendment that abolishes the Senate and alters the national flag.

According to media reports, opposition parties leading a boycott movement declared that they would not recognize the results of the vote.

“The Secretary-General calls on all Mauritanians to work together to deepen the rule of law and promote social cohesion and national unity,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a statement.