Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Zambia

The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Zambia for holding elections in an environment that was overall peaceful and orderly. He commends the Electoral Commission of Zambia for its role in managing a credible and transparent process, and notes with satisfaction that today's hand-over of power has been smooth and dignified. He congratulates President Michael Sata on his election and commends former President Rupiah Banda for his message to the nation. The Secretary-General is pleased that Zambians have today shown Africa and the world that change can be brought about peacefully when democracy is allowed to flourish.