Content_paragraphs:  In line with the electoral assistance mandate of UNITAMS, and pursuant to a 
  
  request made by the national authorities for support, an electora l needs assessment 
  
  mission visited the Sudan from 5 to 23 April. The mission was composed of 
  
  representatives from the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and 
  
  UNDP. Meetings were held with a wide range of interlocutors, including representatives 
  
  from the national authorities, political parties, the media, civil society, women’s 
  
  groups and members of the donors community, as well as various United Nations 
  
  agencies. The needs assessment mission sought to review and discuss the overall 
  
  electoral environment in the Sudan, as well as the legal and institutional framework 
  
  that may govern an electoral process and the various needs of key stakeholders. The 
  
  Mission will present recommendations to Sudanese partners on the parameters and 
  
  modalities under which the United Nations might provide technical support to assist 
  
  a nationally owned and led process, and outline preparatory steps needed to enable 
  
  United Nations entities to better ready themselves to provide technical electoral 
  
  support, as it becomes necessary. 
  
   
  
   
  
   IV. Development cooperation