UN chief hails peaceful elections in Bolivia

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday congratulated the Bolivian people on the holding of highly participative and peaceful general elections, said his spokesman.

Guterres encouraged all political and social leaders to work together with the same commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and national reconciliation in addressing current political, economic, social and health challenges, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

Sunday's general elections in Bolivia came after last October's elections that led to a political turmoil. President Evo Morales, whose re-election sparked protests, was forced to resign in November after security forces sided with protesters. An interim government took charge and organized the new elections.

Sunday's voting proceeded largely smoothly, except for a few minor isolated incidents, said Salvador Romero, president of Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal.