§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
In what discussions they are participating in the United Nations, Commonwealth and other international fora on support for the electoral process in the forthcoming South African elections; and in particular what is the estimate of the total number of polling stations which will be necessary.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe are considering with our partners in international organisations, including the European Community and the Commonwealth, appropriate assistance for the forth-coming South African elections. Current estimates are that there will be approximately 7,000 polling stations, although this is subject to confirmation by the appropriate South African authorities, in particular the Independent Electoral Commission once it is operational.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their estimate of the deadline date by which decisions must be made on the number of polling stations to be available in the forthcoming South African elections so that adequate international arrangements can be made for assistance with electoral administration and monitoring of the voting process.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyDecisions on practical arrangements such as the number of polling stations will be taken by the Independent Electoral Commission in South Africa. It will be responsible for the conduct of the election as well as for inviting and coordinating any international observer effort. Legislation was passed by the South African Parliament on 23rd September to create the Commission. We hope that it can be operational soon. We are, with our partners in both the European Community and the Commonwealth already considering the modalities of providing international election observers in order to be able to respond promptly to a request when it is received.