(No. 116 - March 21, 2011 - 8:30 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the March 12 presidential election in Niger:
“On behalf of Canada, I congratulate the citizens of Niger for holding peaceful and transparent presidential elections, marking a crucial step in Niger’s return to constitutional order.
“Canada would also like to congratulate the winner, Mahamadou Issoufou, and the Supreme Council for honouring their commitments to restore a civilian democracy.
“Canada commends the high level of political maturity demonstrated by all parties the day after receiving the results of this second round of presidential elections, particularly the exemplary conduct of presidential candidate Seini Oumarou, who promptly acknowledged defeat and congratulated the president-elect, Mr. Issoufou.
“Canada also acknowledges the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations that led to the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. The success of the presidential elections signals a new era of democratic governance in Niger, which is essential for meeting the development and security challenges the country faces, and which the president-elect has defined as priorities.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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