Following the National Elections Commission release of a revised time-frame for the elections to be held in April 2010, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Sudan, Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, observed that the new timetable provides more time for voter registration, training of staff, civic and voter education, development of the budget and mobilization of international assistance which are essential to help ensure a credible electoral process.

He acknowledged that organizing the elections requires extensive planning and resources, and reaffirmed that it is UNMIS' mandate to support the NEC with its preparations for credible elections, including the provision of technical assistance and advice.

"I urge all Sudanese parties to demonstrate their full commitment to the democratic transition and to the electoral process." Mr Qazi stated.

To that end, UNMIS stands ready to assist the NEC in its effort to deliver transparent, free and fair elections within the revised time-frame.

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