[16 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 16 (Saba) - The International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) warned Wednesday of consequences of the delay in assigning members of the Supreme Commission for Election and Referendum (SCER) and its impacts on the democratic process in the country.

The international organization said in a press release obtained by the GPC-run almotamar.net that continuation of the delay in dialogue dose not help, noting that the Yemeni parliament would enter into its usual vacation period followed by the vacation of Ramadan month that would lead to the need of more work pressure on the parliament or abandoning certain parts of the electoral process.

IFES indicated that the process of revising and modifying voters' lists is supposed to begin on 26 August 2008, while the parliament would resume convening its sessions after this date.

The IFES Resident Executive Manager Peter Williams has said this delay may lead to reducing the opportunities of the Yemeni citizens for registering for the first time or even updating their information.

The continuation of the delay might make the process of registration and reviewing electors' lists impossible, Williams said, adding that would place the process of developing the democratic process in real danger.

AF/AF

Saba