UN secretary-general welcomes conclusion of Egyptian elections

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the conclusion of Egypt's presidential election process and congratulated Mohamed Morsy over his win, expressing trust that the President-elect will ensure the people of Egypt realize their aspirations. "The Secretary-General commends the Egyptian people for the peaceful atmosphere in which these elections were held," Ban's spokesperson said in a statement. "He [Secretary-General Ban] congratulates Dr. Mohamed Morsy on his election and trusts that the President-elect will spare no effort in ensuring the people of Egypt realize their aspirations for greater democracy, the promotion of human rights, and a more prosperous and stable Egypt for all of its citizens," he added. Ban's spokesperson indicated that the UN chief notes that the imminent handover of power to the elected President marks "the end of one important phase of Egypt's ongoing transition to greater democracy." "He stresses the need to strengthen and build strong, independent institutions and to allow civil society to flourish and to play its role fully and freely," the spokesperson remarked. Morsy, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, defeated Ahmed Shafiq with 51.7% of the vote, compared to 48% for Shafiq who was the last prime minister in ousted president Hosni Mubarak's rule.