WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated the Colombian people Monday for their peaceful participation in elections for a new Congress and in interparty primaries ahead of presidential elections in May.

Guterres commended Colombian authorities for ensuring a secure electoral process that strengthens democracy and supports the consolidation of peace, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The statement came after Colombia’s ruling Historical Pact alliance (El Pacto Historico) won congressional elections held Sunday, according to preliminary results.

Guterres highlighted the "critical role" of the incoming Congress in advancing peace efforts, noting the representation of victims and the election of men and women from 16 “peace districts” established under the Final Peace Agreement signed in November 2016 between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP guerrilla group.

He also welcomed the active participation of former combatants and peace signatories both as voters and candidates, according to Dujarric.

"The Secretary-General condemns all attacks on the democratic electoral process in the run-up to the elections and acknowledges the work of authorities to address risks, especially in conflict-affected areas.

"He calls on them to redouble such efforts to ensure that the upcoming presidential election can take place in a free and secure environment around the country," he added.