A
UNITED
NATIONS
General Assembly
Distr.
GENERAL
A/RES/54/173
15 February 2000
Fifty-fourth session
Agenda item 116 (b)
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
[on the report of the Third Committee (A/54/605/Add.2)]
54/173. Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing the
effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the
promotion of democratization
The General Assembly,
Recalling its previous resolutions on the subject, in particular resolutions 49/190 of 23 December 1994,
50/185 of 22 December 1995 and 52/129 of 12 December 1997,
Reaffirming that United Nations electoral assistance and support for the promotion of democratization
are provided only at the specific request of the Member State concerned,
Acknowledging that United Nations electoral assistance has facilitated the holding of successful
elections in several Member States, which has resulted in the orderly and non-violent assumption of office
by elected officials, recognizing that elections can be free and fair only if the secrecy of the ballot is
protected and elections are held free of coercion and intimidation, and underlining the importance of respect
for the results of elections that have been verified as free and fair,
Noting with satisfaction that increasing numbers of Member States are using elections as peaceful means
of national decision-making and confidence-building, thereby contributing to greater national peace and
stability,
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