BANGKOK, 30 June 2011 – United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged Thailand to conduct a transparent general election in a democratic manner as he pleads all sides to refrain from violence.
In his statement issued on Thursday, Mr Ban asked Thailand to conduct the upcoming general election this Sunday in a fair and transparent manner for the sake of the democratic norms and the nation’s credibility.
The secretary-general noted that a peaceful and democratic election will lead to national reconciliation and democracy in the country itself.
Mr Ban hence pleaded all sides to refrain from violence before, during and after the election. He also asked all sides in Thailand to respect the people’s mandate expressed via the election.
According to the UN news centre’s website, the UN chief is closely monitoring the situation in Thailand well ahead of the 3 July general election.
