The Italian government on Wednesday pledged to contribute 1.08 million U.S. dollars towards preparation of Kenya’s 2017 general elections.
Mauro Massoni, Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, said his government has entered into an agreement with UNDP to support the strengthening of IEBC’s institutional capacity, legislative frameworks, citizen participation in elections, and electoral dispute resolution.
“The aim of this common effort – Italy joins other donors in this initiative – is also to reach out to the Kenyan citizens and guarantee the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities, both to vote and to be elected,” Massoni said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
The Italian envoy said the tripartite partnership is strategic, as it facilitates the implementation of IEBC’s roadmap to the August 2017 polls, under the guiding principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, results orientation and collaboration.
The East African nation will hold its general elections in August where the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta who seeks re-election for a five-year term will face off with an alliance of opposition leaders under the National Super Alliance (NASA).
Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator to Kenya and UNDP Resident Representative to Kenya said a credible election process can only take place if democratic institutions are well managed, supported and nurtured.
“Developing capacities and capabilities as well as strengthening election management bodies, is therefore, crucial,” Chatterjee said.
The electoral assistance project contributes to Kenya’s development objectives under the vision 2030 and with electoral preparedness as well as the electoral process itself reinforcing the national values espoused in the Constitution of Kenya on patriotism, national unity, sharing, participation, inclusion, equality, observance of human rights and the rule of law.
UNDP with support from development partners has been providing technical assistance to elections in Kenya. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
