A/RES/52/129 Page 2 2 to 4 September 1997,1 in particular the recognition that the organization and administration of elections in the new or restored democracies often benefit from the help of outside resources and expertise and the request that higher priority be given in resource allocation to governance, democracy and participation programmes in order to sustain the momentum of current progress in holding elections, Recalling the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on 25 June 1993,2 in particular the recognition therein that assistance provided upon the request of Governments for the conduct of free and fair elections is of particular importance in the strengthening of a pluralistic civil society, Noting the establishment of the Association of African Election Authorities, which held its founding meeting at Kampala from 14 to 16 January 1997, Welcoming the support provided by States to the electoral assistance activities of the United Nations, inter alia, through the provision of electoral experts and observers, as well as through contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for Electoral Observation, Noting the continuing submission and evolving nature of requests for electoral assistance by Member States, Noting also that first-time democratic elections have already been held in many Member States, creating a need for reassessment and adaptation of the forms of assistance routinely provided previously, in particular to meet the needs of supporting subsequent elections, Recognizing the need for strengthening national capacity-building, electoral institutions and civic education in the requesting countries in order to consolidate and regularize the achievements of previous elections, Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections,3 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on United Nations activities aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections;3 2. Commends the electoral assistance provided to Member States at their request by the United Nations, and requests that such assistance continue on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the guidelines on electoral assistance, recognizing that the fundamental responsibility for organizing free and fair elections lies with Governments; 1 A/52/334, appendix. 2 A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III. 3 A/52/474. /...