UNITED NATIONS, April 9 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was heartened Monday's presidential election in Timor-Leste passed calmly, with initial indications of a high turnout.
Congratulating the Timorese for the first election since it won independence from Indonesia in 2002, he also commended national authorities for organizing the election and the U.N. Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste for its support.
"The secretary-general is heartened that the election was conducted in a general atmosphere of order and calm, and that the initial indications show high voter turnout. He hopes that calm will prevail while the counting proceeds and when results are announced," said a spokesman for Ban, Farhan Haq.
"The secretary-general calls on the international community to continue providing assistance as Timor-Leste works to complete this year's electoral process and to address challenges related to the security sector, the rule of law, governance and development."
The poll was the first scheduled for 2007, and Ban hopes the others will also take place in an "equally peaceful atmosphere." Parliamentary elections are scheduled for later this year.
Earlier the secretary-general, who told the Timorese, "The eyes of the world are upon you," said the election was a "new milestone" in the country's effort to consolidate democracy.
