BEVERLY HILLS, December 01 (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday felicitated with Mr. Roch Marc Kabore of the Movement of People for Progress Party, MPP, on his election as the second civilian President of Burkina Faso.
The President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was upbeat that the successful conclusion of the electoral process would birth a new era of true democracy and inclusive good governance in that country.
While commending the commitment of citizens of the West African nation in ensuring a peaceful election, the President charged them to continue giving their new leader the maximum support needed to make Burkina Faso the country of their dreams.
According to the statement, “Buhari also praises the outgoing transition President, Mr. Michel Kafando for his tenacity and determination in ensuring that the electoral process was concluded amicably in the face of daunting challenges.
“He calls on Mr. Kabore to use his famed democratic credentials and vast parliamentary experience to join hands with other contestants to work together for the peace, progress, prosperity and unity of Burkina Faso.
“President Muhammadu Buhari also uses the opportunity to call on fellow African leaders to continue to sustain the democratic principles sweeping across the continent, and particularly commends the courage and perseverance of ECOWAS leaders for their support in ensuring that the transition and election processes were fully concluded and believes that the success of the Burkina Faso election will deepen the democratic processes in Africa and emphasize regional and continental integration.
“President Buhari once again wishes Mr. Roch Marc Kabore a successful tenure particularly in his service to the people of Burkina Faso and to the global community in general.”
Earlier today, Burkina Faso’s electoral commission announced Kabore as the winner of Sunday’s presidential election, after provisional results showed him winning 53.5 per cent of total votes to defeat former Finance Minister Zephirin Diabre, who scored 29.7 per cent, and 12 other candidates.
President of the electoral commission, Barthelemy Kere told a news conference that “This election went off in calm and serenity, which shows the maturity of the people of Burkina Faso.”
Turnout for the election was about 60 per cent with the outright majority meaning that there would be no run-off. Speaking on his victory, Kabore told his supporters that “my first thought is to recognise the honour of this high office and to feel the weight of its great responsibility.”
The election of Kabore represented a defining moment for Burkina Faso, which had been ruled by leaders who came to power through military coups for major part of its history since independence from France in 1960.
Kabore served as Prime Minister and head of the National Assembly under ex-President Blaise Compaore, who was toppled by an uprising in October 2014 after purportedly scheming to continue as the country’s President which he had been for the past 27 years.
About the Author
