24 February 2012 -The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNIOGBIS Joseph Mutaboba today visited Guinea-Bissau National Electoral Commission (CNE) headquarters in Bissau to assess the preparatory process of 18 March presidential elections.

Joseph Mutaboba and CNE president Desejado Lima da Costa discussions focused on the preparatory process and the Monday incident which occurred outside the institution, in particular on the ways to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The SRSG explained that this incident shouldn't have occurred and called on people to reach agreements, specially at the political level but also to search for technical solutions to avoid such problems and they are definitely avoidable.

CNE president considered SRSG's visit as a "solidarity sign from the international community" and an opportunity to inform the UN diplomat about 18 March elections organization. Desejado Lima da Costa stated that financial, material and technical conditions are almost met to hold the elections.

Today's visit is part of the SRSG's agenda for the electoral process and includes meetings with relevant stakeholders, including the presidential candidates. On Wednesday, Kumba Iala, candidate for PRS the major opposition party, was received, at his request, by Mutaboba. He plans to meet with opinion leaders from the civil society at large including religious leaders, traditional leaders,women and youth associations,as well as the private sector.