Written question asked by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the ability of the Democratic Republic of Congo to hold a general election in 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the ability of the Democratic Republic of Congo to hold a general election in 2005; and if he will make a statement. [150109] Hilary Benn: The Electoral Assistance Division of the UN Department of Political Affairs recently completed a feasibility study to assist the transitional Congolese authorities to identify a comprehensive set of options for organising and conducting elections in 2005. The objective is to ensure that the transitional government receives the support necessary to enable it to hold a successful general election at that stage. Experts from the European Commission are also advising the government on options, in consultation with the rest of the international community. DFID is participating in these discussions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c281-2W; 150109
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Democracy Elections Politics and government Democratic Republic of the Congo
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk