Counting down to DRC elections
Sello Tang and Silindiwe Dube
24 July 2006
Logistical requirements for Sunday's elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are all in place, according to DRC Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Muholongo Malumalu.
Malumalu confirmed on Friday that the parliamentary elections will be held as scheduled, noting that all voting material, including the ballot papers, have been received and are ready for use.
Malumalu thanked the South African government for the support it had provided in preparing for the elections - the country's first in over 40 years - saying President Thabo Mbeki and his government had "stayed the course in the DRC despite enormous odds".
He also thanked South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Brigalia Bam and her team for helping his country prepare for the elections.
South Africa has contributed paper for the printing of the ballot papers and helped distribute voting papers to 14 hubs in the DRC.
According to South
Africa's Foreign Affairs Department, a 128-member observer mission from the country has been deployed in the DRC, with the latest group of 118 members having arrived last week.
Malumalu said that about 4 000 national and 1 500 international observers were already in the country to monitor the process, along with about 70 international media representatives.
Other logistical needs South Africa has provided to the country include about 300 personnel to assist in setting up information technology requirements.
South Africa's defence force, together with United Nations security forces, have been operating in the DRC for some time now to ensure peace and stability in that country.
Several members of the South African Police Service have also been deployed there to beef up security during the elections.
Source: BuaNews
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