Declares that determining the will of the people requires an electoral process which accommodates distinct alternatives, and that this process should provide an equal opportunity for all citizens to become candidates and put forward their political views, individually and in co-operation with others; reaffirms that apartheid should be abolished, that the systematic denial or abridgement of the right to vote on the grounds of race or colour is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the conscience and dignity of mankind, and that the right to participate in a political system based on common and equal citizenship and universal franchise is essential for the exercise of the principle of periodic and genuine elections; calls upon the Commission on Human Rights, at its 45th session, to consider appropriate ways and means of enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections, in the context of full respect for the sovereignty of Member States, and to report to the General Assembly at its 44th session, through the Economic and Social Council.

Adopted without vote, 75th meeting

2 p.

Adopted at the 75th plenary meeting, 8 Dec. 1988.
In: Resolutions and decisions adopted by the General Assembly during its 43rd session, Volume 1, 20 September-22 December 1988. - A/43/49. - 1989. - p. 226-227. - (GAOR, 43rd sess., Suppl. no. 49).