US urges timely voting process in Guinea-Bissau

The United States urges the government of Guinea-Bissau to adhere to the stated calendar for preparations for March 16 elections, including "a credible and timely voter registration process," the State Department said on Monday night. This echoes the December 9 statement by the president of the UN Security Council, noted department spokeswoman Jen Psaki in the statement. "We urge President Nhamadjo, Prime Minister Barros, Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mendes and Technical Office for Assistance to the Electoral Process Director Na Bitan to ensure that there are no further delays in the election schedule and that timely registration occurs," Psaki said. Authorities must also urgently improve security conditions and address impunity in order to provide a safe, peaceful environment for both voters and candidates, she said. "We expect the ministers of Interior and Defense, and the Armed Forces chief of staff to ensure that security services respect rule of law, civilian authority and human rights, Psaki said. Security services should cooperate fully with the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau and the Mission of the Economic Community of West African States, she said. "The successful and timely conduct of these elections is a critical component of progress toward national reconciliation, democratic governance and economic reforms," Psaki said.