British Foreign Office Minister – Mark Simmonds

African Press Organization (APO) – FCO Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds welcomes results of the first democratic elections in Guinea-Bissau since the 2012 coup.

On 23 April Guinea-Bissau announced the official results of the Presidential and legislative elections held on 13 April. The outcome of the Presidential election will now be decided by a second round of voting on 18 May.

Following the election results, Mr Simmonds said:

“I congratulate the people of Guinea-Bissau on the peaceful and orderly Presidential and legislative elections held on 13 April. The impressive turnout of over 85% demonstrates the importance of these elections to the aspirations of the entire country. They mark an important step not only towards ensuring lasting peace and security, but also towards the economic development and prosperity of Guinea-Bissau.

“I look forward to the establishment of the new National Assembly and hope that all parties respect the wishes of the people by maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in the second round of the Presidential elections.”