10 Nov 2023
Mr Chair,
1 My delegation is taking the floor in Explanation of Vote on the resolution just adopted entitled, “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization”. We thank the United States for presenting this important resolution again this year.
2 Singapore voted in favour of the resolution because we recognise and value the importance of fair, periodic, and genuine elections for effective, transparent, and accountable governance. However, we continue to have reservations on several paragraphs in this resolution, which we feel do not advance the aims and objectives of the text.
3 First, with reference to PP10 of the resolution, Singapore expresses reservations on the continued use of the phrase “in all their diversity”, which has no agreed definition and lacks consensus in the Third Committee. The number of delegations which voted in favour of the amendment to remove this reference illustrates this point. The continued use of such unclear terminology will only distract from the objective of the resolution and the paragraphs in question, which is to work towards the full public participation of all citizens.
4 Second, with reference to OP7 of the resolution, Singapore expresses reservations on the listing in the paragraph. The list continues to unnecessarily include references to categories that are contentious to many delegations in respect of their national contexts and laws. We regret that more comprehensive and consensual formulations to oppose discrimination in the right to participate in public affairs continued to be omitted from this year’s text.
5 Finally, with reference to OP9 of the resolution, we would like to clarify that under Singapore law, persons with disabilities can, upon their request, be assisted during voting but only by a presiding officer, who shall mark the ballot paper in the manner directed by the voter, and is under oath to keep the vote secret.
Mr Chair,
6 We look forward to contributing actively and constructively in future negotiations of this resolution to reach a more balanced outcome that can be supported by all delegations. Thank you.
. . . . .