UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday congratulated the people and government of Pakistan on the successful conduct of the general elections, calling it "a significant step forward for democracy in the country."

　　"By exercising their constitutional right to vote, the people of Pakistan have reaffirmed their desire for and commitment to a democratic Pakistan and their respect for the constitution of the country," the UN chief said of the Saturday elections, in a statement issued by his spokesman.

　　"This is the first ever transition from one civilian government to another and a significant step forward for democracy in the country," he praised.

　　Pleased to note the significant turnout for the elections, especially the youth and first-time voters, "who came out in millions to take part," Ban also noted the increase in the participation of women, but regretted that in some parts of the country, they were deterred from voting.

　　"The Secretary-General applauds the courage and determination of political parties and election workers to engage in the electoral process despite the challenging security situation ahead of the voting," the statement said.

　　In the statement, Ban also commended the Electoral Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for "successfully organizing the polls," and reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to continue to support and assist the ECP.

　　Polling in the Pakistani general elections concluded Saturday evening and counting of ballots has been started. The election was described as "relatively peaceful" by election officials despite some attacks and complaints, particularly in the country's southern port city of Karachi.

　　During the 22-day campaign for the elections, over 110 people, including three candidates, were killed and over 350 injured in bomb attacks and firing by unidentified assailants.

　　相关新闻：联合国秘书长潘基文12日通过其发言人发表声明，对巴基斯坦成功举行大选表示祝贺。

　　声明说，巴基斯坦于11日成功举行国民议会和地方议会选举，潘基文就此向巴基斯坦政府和人民表示祝贺。通过行使宪法赋予的选举权，巴基斯坦人民重申了他们对于一个民主国家的渴望和承诺及其对国家宪法的尊重。

　　声明说，潘基文高兴地注意到此次选举的高投票率，特别是数以百万计的年轻人和新选民参加了此次选举。潘基文还注意到女性选民的投票率有所增加，但他对该国部分地区的女性未能参加投票感到遗憾。

　　声明说，尽管选举前的安全形势十分严峻，巴基斯坦各政党和选举工作人员依然投身此次选举进程，潘基文对他们的勇气和决心表示赞赏。潘基文还称赞巴基斯坦选举委员会成功组织了此次选举，并重申联合国将继续为其提供支持和协助。

　　巴基斯坦11日举行了国民议会(下议院)和地方议会选举。巴基斯坦选举委员会统计显示，本次选举有近8620万名注册选民，包括约3760万名女性。巴基斯坦选举委员会主席易卜拉欣说，这次选举中，登记选民投票率接近60%，创造自20世纪70年代以来最高记录。