UN chief hails "peaceful manner" of Kyrgyzstan's presidential elections

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday hailed the "peaceful manner" in the conduct of Kyrgyzstan's presidential elections, which were held on Sunday. "The secretary-general commends the people of Kyrgyzstan for conducting the presidential elections on Oct. 30 in a peaceful manner," said a statement released here by Ban's spokesperson. "He encourages all political forces to work together to ensure the stable post-electoral development of the country." In the statement, the secretary-general said he "wishes to assure the people of Kyrgyzstan of the continued support of the United Nations, including through the efforts of his special representative, Mr. Miroslav Jenca, and the UN country team." Outgoing Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev has won a landslide victory in the country's presidential election, the Central Election Committee said Monday. Local analysts said Atambayev's victory was mainly due to the accumulation of prestige in his political career, but also warned he faced many challenges after taking office. After being elected prime minister last December, Atambayev has taken a series of effective initiatives to rebuild the country's shattered economy, including measures to combat corruption and increase people's salaries and pensions.