Delay of Sudan’s election allows better preparation – UN envoy

July 2, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Sudan, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, said today that the delay of the general elections in the country provides a good opportunity for further preparations.

Sudan electoral board announced this week the delay of the elections from February to April 2009. The independent commission had already delayed the election from July of this year to February.

“Qazi, observed that the new timetable provides more time for voter registration, training of staff, civic and voter education, development of the budget and mobilization of international assistance which are essential to help ensure a credible electoral process.”

The UN envoy to Sudan further admitted that the organization of the first free election in the country since more than twenty years requires extensive planning and resources.

He called on the Sudanese parties “to demonstrate their full commitment to the democratic transition and to the electoral process.”

Qazi reiterated readiness of the UN Mission in Sudan to support the electoral body in his preparation of the election by providing the technical assistance and advice.

(ST)