NORWAY TO CONTRIBUTE US DOLLORS TWO MILLION IN SUPPORT OF ELECTORAL PROCESS IN PAKISTAN.
KANWAR DILSHAD, FEDERAL SECRETARY ECP.
Islamabad the 27th February, 2007.- A Signing Ceremony was held today in the Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad between the Norwegian Ambassador and Resident Representative, UNDP. Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Federal Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan was also present. According to the agreement Norway would contribute US Dollars two million in Support of the Electoral Process for the forthcoming General Elections. The areas of support are voter registration; training of polling staff and party agents; and voter education. Other areas of support include facilitating a forum for meetings between Election Commission of Pakistan and the political parties; festering improvements in the results process; and electoral complaints mechanism.
Commenting on the occasion Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan said “We appreciate the engagement and cooperation of donors for the common objective of free, transparent and credible elections.” Mr. Janis Bjorn Kanavin, Norwegian Ambassador, stated that “Norway’s contribution to Pakistan though modest is strategic in terms of its focus. It is appreciative of the energetic civil society and engaging citizenry especially when it comes to politics. This contribution is a step towards informed citizenry and strengthened ECP to be able to coordinate with all stakeholders to achieve their mutual objectives of maximum participations by all for a free and fair electoral process.
Appreciating donor commitment to the electoral process, Mr. Jan Vandemoortele, Resident Representative, UNDP said, “We welcome coordinated donor support towards the strengthening of electoral processes in Pakistan. This collaboration between Government of Norway and UNDP will strengthen our long term partnership and enable coordinated support for this common objective.”