On 7 March 2008, the National Electoral Court suspended the referendum, along with the opposition's regional referendums, saying that there was not enough time for adequate electoral preparations.

The Organization of American States (OAS) was praised for its efforts towards electoral preparations.

Two days before the election, he joined other opposition candidates in criticizing alleged problems in the electoral preparations and calling for the election to be delayed.

The electoral preparations that had begun under the 1960 junta stimulated the mobilization of political parties of moderate and leftist inclinations.

Even if it were, the Sunni nationalist groups, with whom many Falluja residents identify, have largely stood aside from the electoral preparations.

"I think it shows a maturity and democratic spirit," said Oscar Melendez, who presided over the electoral preparations for the region.

That move was widely anticipated due to the slow progress of electoral preparations.

The members of the delegations must leave for the countries in question in good time in order to observe the electoral preparations.

This includes support for electoral preparations and the conducting of a national census.

The members of Congress provide extensive preparation, such as: the examination of the political and legal system, media, electoral preparations, etc.