Content_paragraphs: I welcome efforts to advance preparations for the holding of local elections in 
  
  September 2022 which will, if inclusive, provide an invaluable opportunity to 
  
  advance the peace process, in particular through the expansion of the political space 
  
  and decentralization, while also addressing barriers to women’s participation. 
  
  National authorities’ plan to update the voter registration list represents a positive 
  
  development, which would allow internally displaced persons, refugee returnees and 
  
  other newly eligible citizens to participate. Creating the security and political 
  
  environment conducive to the safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees 
  
  remains crucial. It will also be important that the Government mobilize adequate 
  
  resources not only for the holding of these elections, but also for the new local 
  
  administrations that will emerge. I encourage partners to provide the necessary 
  
  financial and technical support, in coordination with electoral assistance from 
  
  MINUSCA.