The Secretary-General warmly congratulates the Libyan people on the occasion of the country's first election in nearly half a century.

Last year, thousands of Libyans sacrificed their lives or suffered lasting injury in order to win the right of the Libyan people to build a new state founded on human dignity and the rule of law. Yesterday, their determination was again on display as men and women, young and old, cast their ballots, many with deep emotion, even in some areas where they faced threats to their security.

The Secretary-General hails the role played by the High National Election Commission and the thousands of electoral staff who ensured well-conducted and transparent polling. He looks forward to the successful completion of the Libyan-managed electoral process, which the United Nations has been pleased to support.

The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to the candidates and political entities that contested the election in a peaceful, democratic spirit. The United Nations looks forward to working with the new leaders of Libya and the youth, women and men who make up its civil society, as they address the challenges of drafting a constitution and building a secure and accountable state. The Secretary-General trusts that they will do so in a spirit of inclusion, justice and reconciliation among all Libyans.

Tokyo, 8 July 2012