New York, Nov 18 2011 6:10PM
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and members of the diplomatic corps in the country today voiced support for all Congolese as they prepare to hold presidential and legislative elections later this month.
At a meeting in the capital, Kinshasa, attended by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO), Roger Meece, they called for "peaceful, credible and free elections as part of the consolidation of … democracy."
Gathered at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, known by its French acronym as CENI, the ambassadors and heads of mission hailed the work of the Commission, the Government, international partners and the UN in organizing the elections, which are scheduled for 28 November. They stressed that DRC institutions bore the primary responsibility to ensure credible elections.
Echoing the recent statement by the Security Council, participants voiced concern over the risk posed to the electoral process by incidents of poll-related violence and urged all concerned, including candidates, to respect the Constitution and the electoral law.
They called for free and open debate on issues of concern to the country ahead of the polls, and urged all parties and individuals to refrain from violence and the use of inflammatory language.
On security, they called on the Government to ensure that security forces comply with legal regulations, respect the freedom of movement and expression, as well as everyone's right to vote.
Nov 18 2011 6:10PM
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