Strengthening electoral process: EC, EAD and UNDP ink Rs 3.7 million three-year project

The Election Commission of Pakistan, Economic Affairs Division and United Nations Development Programme have signed a three-year project worth $3.7 million here on Friday. The project will help the Election Commission to support the participation of every eligible citizen in the electoral processes and to enhance the capacity of the ECP as an independent electoral body.
Secretary ECP Kunwar M Khalid, Secretary EAD Shuja Shah and Resident Representative UNDP Onder Yucer signed the project at the Economic Affairs Division office in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hassan Khan and representatives from the donors.
The second phase of UNDP's on going assistance to ECP is aimed at integration of Pakistani citizens in the governance processes by strengthening democratic electoral processes and institutions to ensure greater participation both as candidates and voters.

The new project aims at increasing voters' registration and turnout in national, provincial and local bodies elections, especially among women and members of the socially excluded communities.
The project will provide ECP with capacity building mechanism in areas of training and electoral research, public information, and management support and information technology.
The project will also support engagement of ECP with media, civil society organisations, academic and research organisations to develop a better understanding of the technicalities related to electoral processes, electoral bodies, electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, gender quotas and encouragement of participation of socially excluded communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Onder Yucer said that efficient, credible and inclusive elections are a foundation for strong democracy and good governance, adding that electoral processes provide an opportunity for all citizens, including women and disadvantaged groups in the society to participate in and influence public policies and decisions that shape their own lives.
He said that the second phase of the project would consolidate the achievements of the first phase and would also add new dimensions in improving electoral system.
In his speech the Chief Election Commissioner said that the crucial question concerning the electoral process is the problem of registration of citizens as voters in the electoral rolls and increased turnout in national and provincial assemblies and local bodies election, particularly among women.
Irshad Hassan Khan said that the cause of low participation by women calls to be identified and understood, adding that the primary cause in Pakistan was illiteracy.
He highlighted the initiative taken by him in establishing the Federal Election Academy in Islamabad saying that the Academy is providing training and education to ECP staff and others connected with the elections.