SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUDAN’S NATIONAL ELECTIONS

IN FEBRUARY 2010, PLEDGES UNITED NATIONS READINESS TO ASSIST

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) on 2 April that elections will take place in February 2010.  The holding of nationwide elections is an important benchmark in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The Secretary-General urges the Sudanese authorities to proceed with the necessary preparations in accordance with the time frame proposed by NEC, and hopes that the National Assembly will pass all relevant legislation as a matter of urgency.  He further encourages all political parties to participate in this historic vote, which will further contribute to the consolidation of the ideals set out in the Interim National Constitution.

The United Nations stands ready to assist the parties in the conduct of free and fair elections.

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For information media • not an official record