Dakar — The Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission, His Excellency Koffi Sama, has reiterated his call on the people of Senegal to ensure that the run-off presidential election "unfolds in a peaceful atmosphere and in the same conditions of freedom, transparency and credibility", as was experienced in the first round.

In a pre-election chat with journalists on 24th March 2012 in Dakar, Mr. Sama said that the first round of the presidential elections was held in a peaceful atmosphere that drew unanimous commendation worldwide. "Tomorrow's presidential ballot will certainly mark a further step toward consolidating the democratic gains and political stability of the country", he stated, adding:"Consequently, it should be considered as a landmark for the national cohesion and socioeconomic development of Senegal" He said ECOWAS is encouraged by the political consciousness and maturity of Senegalese voters which enabled a calm first round election, and is therefore confident that "the whole Senegalese people will see - in the completion of the electoral process - the superior interest of the Nation".

The Head of Mission urged leaders of political parties and coalitions as well as their sympathizers and members to ensure that order and discipline are upheld, and that they refrain from any acts of violence or provocation capable of compromising the ongoing process of consolidating peace and democratic gains in Senegal.

Also, he also charged the two candidates in the run-off election - incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade and his former Prime Minister, Mr. Macky Sall - to accept the result of the ballot and to pledge to use legal channels for the settlement of any possible electoral disputes.