17 April 2011 – In preparation for elections scheduled to be held in Southern Kordofan early next month, ballot papers arrived today in the state capital Kadugli.

The ballots, packed according to different elections for the governor and state assembly (with votes relating to geographical constituency, women's list and party list) elections, were printed in Dubai.

They arrived in El Obeid on an early morning flight before being taken to Kadugli by road under tight security escort made up of UNMIS forces and local government police.

"We had a smooth, trouble-free journey," said National Elections Commission Logistics Officer Mahdi Mohamed Mukhtar. Having received the ballot papers, all polling materials are now in the state.

"The next step will be for the State Elections High Committee to pack all polling materials and start on distribution to the constituencies," Mr. Mukhtar said.

The UN Integrated Referendum and Electoral Division (UNIRED) team in the state will provide technical and logistical assistance.

Meanwhile, a training session for Constituency Elections Officers in Kadugli ended today. They will now go to their constituencies to provide two-day trainings for polling centre committee heads.

The elections are expected to take place from 2 to 4 May.