legislative elections
21 January 2006
Tshwane - A South African Observer Team, led by General-Secretary of the
South African Council of Churches Dr Molefe Tsele, will today, Saturday 21
January 2006, depart for Palestine with a view to witnessing the Palestinian
legislative elections scheduled for Wednesday, 25 January 2006.
The 12-member observer mission consists of representatives of the South
African Independent Electoral Commission, community representatives,
independent observers, representatives of various non-governmental
organisations, and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The participation of an Observer Mission in Palestineâs legislative
elections is a reflection of the strong support of the South African government
for the democratic process in Palestine. These elections are the first such
elections to take place in Palestine since 1996, and follow the very successful
Presidential elections held in January 2005.
The elections are being held at a critical juncture in the
Israeli-Palestinian peace process and will hopefully provide a clear indication
by the Palestinian people as to the way forward in the peace process from a
Palestinian perspective. The South African Government conveys its best wishes
to the Palestinian people for a peaceful and successful election.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 January 2006
