ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) election observation missions have praised Djibouti's presidential election for adhering to national and international standards, contributing to a credible and transparent electoral process.
The announcement was released as the AU and IGAD missions issued their respective preliminary statements on Sunday, outlining key findings and recommendations on the overall conduct of Friday's presidential election.
In its preliminary statement, the AU mission said that the election took place "in a calm and peaceful atmosphere." It added that the conduct of the election reflected the Djiboutian people's commitment to peace, stability, national cohesion and the protection of national institutions despite regional security challenges.
It said that the opening, voting and closing of the poll took place without incident and in accordance with the national legal framework, ensuring "a well-coordinated and credible electoral process in line with relevant international standards."
IGAD's team of observers comprised representatives from national election management bodies, civil society organizations and youth groups from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda.
The mission said that the presidential election was conducted "in a peaceful and orderly manner, which is the basis for a free, fair and credible election."
On Saturday, Djibouti's Ministry of Interior announced that incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, 78, was re-elected for a sixth term with 97.81 percent of the vote. Guelleh defeated his opponent, Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Center, who won 2.19 percent.
Djibouti, located at the strategic mouth of the Horn of Africa, is a major hub for international commerce and a key partner in the fight against sea piracy and transnational terrorism. With a population of about one million, the Red Sea nation plays an important role in regional security and global trade routes. ■