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Sudan

Sudan: Elections materials arrive in Malakal

The first batch of elections ballot papers for Upper Nile State arrived in Malakal from Juba on 22 March on board an UNMIS helicopter.

"Nineteen pallets have arrived. This first batch contains ballot papers for the president, Southern Sudan president, governor, women and political party of national assembly," said UNMIS Electoral Assistance Division Logistics Officer Iqbal Saleh.

In addition, the Upper Nile State High Committee has also received 63 pallets of ballot boxes, according to the committee's Logistics Officer Daud Gama.

The Southern Sudan Police Service would secure transporting the ballot papers to the high committee's logistics warehouse, where they would remain under 24-hours security until all were received, said Mr. Gama.

The State High Committee plans to begin distribution of the materials to the counties by the end of March.

"We have hired four trucks for distribution to each constituency in Upper Nile State," Mr. Gama noted.

"We also have boats available to distribute the materials to the counties across the river, if necessary. If we need to fly, then we will request UNMIS to assist us with helicopter," the logistics officer added.

The High Committee is expecting to receive all ballot papers from the National Elections Commission before the end of March, while other materials such as posters will follow soon after.