The Global and All-Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed by the Congolese parties on 17 December 2002, outlined a transitional process culminating in national elections to be held two years after the inauguration of the Transitional Government in June 2003. The Agreement stipulated that the transition could be extended for two six-month periods if technical preparations for elections were delayed. While considerable difficulties have been encountered during the past two years, the Transitional Government has, nonetheless, made significant strides in implementing the objectives of the peace agreement and the Congolese people are now increasingly focused on the elections.