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AFP
UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for "civic responsibility" in Senegal ahead of the second round of an increasingly bitter presidential election.

Incumbent Abdoulaye Wade and former prime minister Macky Sall will contest the runoff vote on Sunday. Wade, 85, has faced mounting protests after he circumvented a two-term limit he introduced in order to seek reelection.

The UN secretary general "commends the people of Senegal for the peaceful and orderly manner" in which the first round was held last weekend, said Ban's spokesman Martin Nesirky.

Ban particularly acknowledged the role of the "electoral authorities, security forces, civil society and political parties in upholding Senegal’s long-standing democratic tradition," Nesirky said.

"As the country prepares for a second round of voting to determine its future leadership, the secretary general appeals, once again, for the same spirit of civic responsibility and democratic commitment to prevail throughout the process."

Nesirky said the United Nations "will continue to support national efforts towards a peaceful, credible and transparent conclusion of the presidential election in Senegal."