Provisional voters list sent to parties

In accordance with the time frame for the implementation of the referendum in Western Sahara, the United Nations on Thursday communicated the provisional list of eligible voters, which contained the names of some 85,000 people, to the parties. As agreed by the parties, the appeals process for those not on the list also began on Thursday. The United Nations opened five centres to receive appeals for the next six weeks, and plans are underway to open an additional 13 centres for that purpose. Meanwhile, the United Nations is continuing to identify potential voters from among the so-called "contested tribes". That process began one month ago and, when it is over, another provisional list will be published and another appeals process will begin for them. The final list is expected out in March 2000, allowing time for the repatriation and referendum campaign. The vote itself will be held at the end of next July.