This statement is offered by an international delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The delegation’s purpose was to accurately and impartially assess electoral preparations in advance of the October local elections; review the broader political environment; examine factors that could affect the integrity of the electoral process; and offer any recommendations that could advance dialogue and consensus-building toward peaceful, credible elections and public confidence in the process. In August, NDI will deploy a team of long-term observers. This will be supplemented by an international election day observation delegation.