Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 392nd meeting held on 26 August 2013, was briefed by the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission on its activities relating to elections in Africa. The briefing focused on past legislative elections in Togo and presidential elections in Mali and Zimbabwe, as well as the upcoming parliamentary elections in Rwanda, Swaziland, Cameroon and Guinea.
Council congratulated the people, political leaders and institutions in Togo, Mali and Zimbabwe on the peaceful organization of elections in these countries, demonstrating the engagement of Member States in respecting the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Council called on all political stakeholders in these countries to respect the outcome of the popular vote and continue to maintain a climate of peace and thus contribute to conflict prevention and management on the continent. In the case of Zimbabwe, Council further called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all sanctions imposed on the country and stressed that the lifting of the sanctions will contribute to socioâ€economic recovery for the benefit of the long suffering population of the country.
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