(The Election Commission of Pakistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding)
Islamabad, the 13th September, 2006.- The Election Commission of Pakistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today that paves the way for USAID support of the activities envisioned under the United Nations Development Programme’s “Support to National Elections in Pakistan” program. According to the terms of the agreement, USAID will contribute $16 million over the next 18 months to increase the transparency and reliability of the electoral system.
2. On behalf of USAID, the globally respected IFES (formally known as International Foundation for Election Systems) will assist the Election Commission of Pakistan in its plans for enhancing its ability to administer elections effectively and in a transparent manner.
3. Specifically, the contribution will be used to : (1) computerize the voter rolls; (2) provide transparent ballot boxes and voter screened off compartments to increase public confidence in election procedures; and (3) to fund public information in relation to preparation of fresh electoral rolls.
4. The agreement was signed by Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan and Mr. Jonathan Addleton, USAID/Pakistan Mission Director on behalf of their respective organizations and Mr. Abdur Rauf Gandapur, Deputy Secretary represented the Economic Affairs Division.
5. The Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan remarked that the basic objective of Election Commission of Pakistan is to enhance its capacity to deliver elections independently, effectively, fairly and in a transparent and professional manner.
6. USAID/Pakistan Mission Director stated that USAID is pleased to be part of a broader international effort to support the electoral process in Pakistan and to be working with the Election Commission of Pakistan as part of the UNDP framework that was formalized only yesterday.