UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for peaceful and credible elections in Guinea-Bissau, the West African nation on the eve of its presidential and legislative elections.

A statement issued by Ban's spokesman said that "the Secretary- General calls on the people and institutions of Guinea-Bissau to ensure the conduct of peaceful and credible elections," which will be held on April 13.

"The candidates and their supporters, the Transitional Government, election management bodies, civil society and the population at large all have an important role to play in this regard," it said.

Postponed several times, the elections will be the first to take place since the 2012 military coup which ousted interim President Raimundo Pereira. They are widely seen as essential to restoring constitutional order, economic growth and development.

The successful conclusion of the elections will contribute to the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the promotion of the rule of law, and the resumption of suspended international assistance to the country, said Ban in the statement. "It will also pave the way for greater political stability and the implementation of long-term programs to consolidate peace and promote state-building and socioeconomic development, with the support of international partners."

Ban also urged all candidates to respect the official results when announced by the Supreme Court and to follow the existing legal procedures to resolve any electoral dispute that may arise.

Guinea Bissau, one of the poorest countries in the world, has experienced various coups, misrule and political instability since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

The national electoral commission of Guinea-Bissau has blamed lack of funds for the delay of the electoral process. Since 1991, the elections in the West African country have been funded by the international community.