Photo: Bilamekaso Tchagbele/MONUSCO

Bunia, 30 September 2011 – In a joint effort to help achieve peaceful elections in the Ituri district, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organized a two-day workshop beginning on 28 September. The training was structured around the theme: "For a peaceful electoral process in the DRC."

Ninety-eight political parties participated in this forum designed to build their capacity by broadening their knowledge about the legal framework of electoral activities, the Code of Conduct for political parties and associated groupings, and the security of the overall electoral process.

The Head of MONUSCO in Ituri, M'hand Ladjouzi, opened the workshop with a presentation about the mandate of the mission, and especially its role in support of the electoral process, including providing logistical support to the country's authorities and protection to the civilian population.

The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations to the Congolese authorities and stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including the importance of ensuring neutrality in the police force and in other security forces, respect for the electoral law, guaranteeing equal access to public funds for all political parties, as well as free and equal access to public media.

Ituri District Deputy Commissioner in charge of Economic Issues, Avo Eka Rustique, was among the presiding officials at the workshop.

Bilamekaso Tchagbele/ MONUSCO