Tunis 21 September 2004-- Minister of the interior and local development, Mr Hedi M'henni, met Tuesday with Mr Abdelwahab El Behi, president of the national observatory for presidential and legislative elections.

The minister briefed Mr El Behi on preparations underway prior to the presidential ad legislative elections scheduled for October 24, 2004 . He highlighted in this context the strong commitment of President Zine El Abidine to ensuring the success of this major national event in a climate of transparency and respect of the law.

Mr El Behi, who was accompanied by a group of observatory members, expressed his appreciation for the efforts devoted to ensuring the best of conditions to the organizations of the elections. He stressed his satisfaction at the cooperation and understanding demonstrated in this regard by the national and local administration.

He said members of the observatory intend to continue ensuring the follow up for the preparation and organization of the electoral operations in all regions of the country.

The minister conveyed to Mr El Behi a copy of a CD-Rom designed by the ministry of the interior and local development as a how-to audiovisual manual on the management of polling stations. Copies of this CD-Rom will be distributed to members of the polling stations so as to facilitate and harmonize their work.