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Logistical problems put strain on voter registration process in DR of Congo – UN

Logistical problems put strain on voter registration process in DR of Congo – UN

Margaret Carey briefs press
Voter registration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is proceeding according to plan, but a number of logistical problems could cause some delays in what will be the largest elections ever assisted by the United Nations, UN peacekeeping officials said today.

“It is moving forward, but we are facing major logistical problems in getting the electoral materials out to the field,” Margaret Carey, Principal Officer of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ African Division, told journalists during a briefing at UN headquarters in New York.

However, she said although there may be some delays as a result, the DRC should manage to generally adhere to envisioned polling schedules.

The polls will choose candidates to form the first democratic Government in DRC in about 40 years and to replace the present transitional multi-party administration, which took power as several regions of the vast country emerged from the conflicts over ethnicity and land ownership which still erupt sporadically in the east.

Ms. Carey said the key for the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) is the Secretary-General’s request of 26 May, now under consideration by the Security Council, for additional logistic, police and military resources.

Voter registration in the DRC began on 20 June in Kinshasa and will continue on a rolling basis for logistical and security reasons. Plans call for the process to be completed by the end of September.

The registration process will be followed by a referendum on the new constitution, scheduled for 27 November, followed by adoption by the parliament of the electoral law.

The election itself is scheduled for March and April with the idea of having the inauguration in May. But the exact dates will depend on electoral law, she said.

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Video of press briefing [44mins]