7 February 2014 - Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations for Guinea-Bissau on the conclusion of the voter registration process announced by transition Government.

I applaud the decision of the relevant Guinea-Bissau transition authorities at the conclusion of the voter registration process, with a record-breaking 91% of the potential voter registration.

Based on the most recent national census of Guinea-Bissau (2009), the Office for the Technical Support to the Electoral Process (GTAPE, Portuguese acronym) had estimated the potential voters at 810.961.

I have personally witnessed both the efforts by the relevant authorities and officials in bringing the voter registration to the remotest villages and islands of Guinea-Bissau, even where there were no roads: the electronic kits, as well as heavy generators had to be carried on improvised transportation, or by foot, into remote areas. I also personally witnessed tens of thousands of common people standing up for hours and days to register.

There were many challenges, namely geographic conditions, inaccessibility in many areas of the country, adulteration of the equipment because of dust and humidity, lack of fuel for the portable generators, slow payment of kit operators and other personnel, etc. There was no lacking of challenges and obstacles along the way. However, in my view this has been an extraordinary effort, a success, and I commend with deep gratitude the national authorities, and their friends and partners, namely Timor-Leste, Nigeria and the ECOWAS countries.

Now we must all work even harder in the second phase of the electoral process and this means the election itself, which will be held next month. Obstacles remain, namely a decision by the political parties in parliament, and outside, together with competent authorities.

I commend other donors, namely the African UNION-AU, CPLP, the European Union-EU, Portugal, the United Kingdom-UK, China, and the Peacebuilding Fund-PBF, that have so far pledged and in some instance already delivered in kind, support or cash for this important democratic exercise that will bring to an end the transition period and usher a new chapter in Guinea-Bissau history.

José Ramos-Horta
Special Representative of The United Nations Secretary General for Guinea-Bissau