press releases

U.S. Government Contributes to Zambia’s 2006 Elections Trust Fund

Lusaka
July 18, 2006

U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Carmen Martinez, and UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, Aeneas Chuma, signing documents for the U.S. government’s contribution to Zambia’s 2006 Elections Trust Fund.

The United States Government on Tuesday, July 18, contributed USD $200,000 to Zambia’s 2006 Elections Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through a multi-donor support initiative.

U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Carmen Martinez handed over the contribution to UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Aeneas Chuma, at a ceremony in Lusaka. Ambassador Martinez said the U.S. government is pleased to extend financial support to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other relevant national institutions to support needed election preparations.

At the ceremony, Mr. Chuma thanked the United States for its support. He said the contribution is a valuable and practical step by the international community in acknowledging Zambia’s commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. Canada, the European Union, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have made commitments to the Fund.

The contribution, channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will be allocated towards the priority areas defined by the ECZ, including civic and voter education and international election observation. Civic and voter education aims to guarantee broad participation in the elections. International observers are a common feature of national elections all over the world, and help to reduce electoral fraud and thereby increase public confidence in elections.


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