Kinshasa, August 1, 2006: The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) hails the holding in peace of the first free and democratic elections in DR Congo.

Some difficulties of a logistical nature, as well as some isolated incidents were certainly deplored, in particular in the two provinces of Kasaï and Kinshasa; but, overall, the results are satisfactory and sometimes went beyond all expectations.

The credit of this success must rest first with the Congolese people, who showed a maturity and an exemplary civic direction. Credit must also go to all those who, in the previous months, worked hard to make a success of the electoral process in DR Congo: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Congolese National Police (PNC) and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) - whose work was remarkable.

Credit must also be given to local and international media, NGO’s, the international Community and the United Nations. MONUC however deplores the attitude of certain media based in Kinshasa who, through the contempt of the rules and objectives of the profession, behaved in an irresponsible way.

In the same way, MONUC condemns the intimidations and threats exerted on certain voters by the boycotting of the elections, as well as all the attempts and other irregularities deliberately made by certain candidates or political party militants.

MONUC encourages all the actors of the electoral process in DR Congo to continue to show the same wisdom, and to continue in the same fashion, in order for the elections process to continue in the best possible way.

This is particularly so in relation to the verification and acceptance of the results, in accordance with the calendar published by IEC. Finally, MONUC ensures the Congolese people of the continued support of the United Nations and the international community.

It is within this framework that the Intenational Committee of the Wise for the DRC was set up. Chaired by Joaquim Chissano, the former Head of State of Mozambique, the International Committee of the Wise is a panel which aims to give its support, through its moral authority, to the elections and the institutions in support of democracy in the DRC.

This should lead to the restoration of an atmosphere of confidence and peace, and a successful outcome to the electoral process.