South African Observer Team to depart for Palestine ahead of Legislative Elections

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 twelve 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 Palestine’s 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 follows 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.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Tshwane
0001
21 January 2006