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OAS ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION CALLS FOR RESPECT AND TOLERANCE AS IT BEGINS ITS WORK IN PERU

  March 30, 2006

The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Peru called on all national political players to uphold principles of transparency, respect, tolerance and lawfulness, on the eve of the April 9 general elections in that country.

As it has previously stated, the OAS Mission considers imperative that positive messages be reinforced by the campaigns and that sympathizers to the different candidates conduct themselves with respect and tolerance, in order to create an environment in which each citizen may freely exercise the right to vote.

The OAS Mission began its work in the Peruvian capital last Monday, March 27, and the Chief of Mission, Lloyd Axworthy, will arrive on Saturday, April 1. During his stay in Peru, the former Canadian Foreign Minister will meet with electoral authorities, representatives of political parties, members of the press and representatives of civil society.

“The Observation Mission reiterates its message of support and solidarity of the Inter-American community with the democratic institutions and the people of Peru, during this significant step of its democratic life,” said the Deputy Chief of the OAS Mission, Moisés Benamor, who has been carrying out the Mission’s work plan in the pre-electoral phase.

In the next few days, the Mission will incorporate a team of experts in election organization, legislation, technology and other aspects relevant to the electoral process. They will be joined by a group of observers from several OAS member states, who will be deployed throughout the country.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission is willing to meet with anyone in the political or social arena who wishes to offer suggestions, concerns or complaints related to the electoral process.

Reference: AVI-045/06