Accra, March 25, GNA - Mr Kofi Annan, the United Nations Secretary-General, on Monday appealed to the people of Togo to remain calm as they waited for the official declaration of Sunday's polls. He urged party supporters to refer any electoral disputes to the appropriate authorities as provided in the electoral code. In a statement Mr Annan commended the people of Togo for turning out in large numbers to cast their vote in the just ended polls to elect a new President.

"Given the deep emotions felt by the different candidates and their supporters during the difficult electoral campaign, the leaders and the population must be praised for their sense of political and civic responsibility".

Mr Annan said the successful and peaceful conclusion of the election would provide the people of Togo and their international partners with a sound platform on which to build a stable transition towards sustainable national reconciliation, political stability and economic recovery.

He reiterated the United Nations' support for the role ECOWAS played in helping Togo to organise peaceful and credible polls.