United Nations Security Council Resolution 435 (1978)

Abstract

In the previous chapter, it was pointed out that South Africa finally indicated its acceptance of a UN supervised transition to independence for Namibia, including the holding of free and fair elections, as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 385 (1976). This followed its decision to abandon plans to implement the Turnhalle constitution. Thereafter, the Contact Group’s efforts were directed towards securing agreement on the modalities for the transition. To this end, they continued holding talks with South African officials, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and the frontline states of Southern Africa, among other parties. Based on these discussions, in December 1977 the group decided to prepare comprehensive proposals to be presented to the South African government and SWAPO. Drafts were released the following month.¹