UN chief welcomes peaceful conduct of Togo's presidential election

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the peaceful conduct of the presidential election in Togo.

On Saturday, more than 3.5 million voters went to cast their vote in 8,994 voting stations established across the West African country of about 6.2 million inhabitants.

"As Togo awaits the final results, the Secretary-General encourages all political leaders and segments of society to continue to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed throughout the electoral process," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

Ban also urged all candidates and their supporters to resolve any disputes that might arise through established legal procedures.

Togo's incumbent Head of State Faure Gnassingbe is seeking a third term in office. Gnassingbe came to power in 2005, following special election after the death of his father General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ran Togo from 1967 till his death. He was reelected in 2010.

Five candidates are recorded for the presidential election, including Jean-Pierre Fabre, a main challenger of Gnassingbe.