UN chief hails smooth elections in Cote d'Ivoire

UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon on Monday hailed the first peaceful legislative elections in Cote d'Ivoire in nearly a decade, commending voters for the " generally calm and orderly manner in which they exercised their right to vote," according to a statement issued by his spokesperson. "This election is an important step towards the full restoration of constitutional order in Cote d'Ivoire, and should contribute to national reconciliation in the country," the statement said. The secretary-general also praised the Ivorian Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), the country's voting watchdog organization, and other national and international partners that helped maintain an atmosphere of peace and stability during the election. The IIEC is still tallying votes, and results are expected to be released by Tuesday. Ban "calls on the people of Cote d'Ivoire and all parties and candidates to preserve the existing peaceful atmosphere as the tallying of votes is underway, and to resolve any disputes through the established legal channels," the statement said.