for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections
20 July 2006
The Chairperson of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC), Rev Malumalu, on Thursday, 20 July 2006, confirmed
that both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be held on 30 July
2006 as scheduled.
Addressing the media in the presence of Dr Brigalia Bam of the South African
IEC and the South African Ambassador to the DRC, His Excellency, Sisa Ngombane,
Rev Malumalu paid special tribute to President Mbeki and the South African
government for what he described as "staying the course in the DRC despite
enormous odds".
Rev Malumalu also paid special tribute to Dr Brigalia Bam and her team for
supporting the DRC IEC prepare for the elections. He also welcomed the South
African Observer Mission under the leadership of Deputy Defence Minister,
Mluleki George, and expressed gratitude to South Africa for accepting the
invitation to observe the elections.
The Chair of the DRC IEC further announced the following:
* the IEC is satisfied with the security arrangements for the
elections
* all voting material, including ballot papers has been received and ready for
use
* 4000 national observers, over 1500 international observers and more than 70
international media representatives are already in the country to cover the
elections.
Enquiries:
Vincent Hlongwane
Cell: 082 385 1169
Lindo Nkomonde
Cell: 082 875 9631
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
20 July 2006
Source: SAPA
