UNMIS has denied that its Mission’s Chief Electoral Affairs Officer has been involved in the process of granting contracts for the printing of some election ballots inside Sudan as news reports attributed to UMMA Reform and Renewal Party (URRP) suggest.
UNMIS Spokesperson categorically dismissed the allegation as unfounded.He added that the decision to print ballots inside Sudan for executive offices, which include presidential and governors’ elections, was taken by National Elections Commission.
UNMIS Chief Electoral Affairs Officer however recommended to NEC that arrangements should made to ensure that non-partisan observers and party agents had the opportunity to follow the printing process inside Sudan.
UNMIS Spokesperson reiterated that the role of the Mission and its Electoral Assistance Division is restricted to providing technical assistance and limited logistical support.
Meanwhile, the first consignment of printed elections ballots for Southern Sudan arrived Saturday evening from Khartoum on board two commercial cargo planes.