In an effort to contribute to free, fair & transparent elections, promote democracy and enhance citizens’ participation in the decision making process in Lebanon, The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 3,500,000 NOK, worth approximately 540 000 USD.
This grant will allow UNDP to:
- Strengthen institutional capacity, transparency and accountability of the Ministry of Interior in the preparation and conduct of free, fair, transparent and democratic elections.
- Improve voter education/information through an increased civic participation using educational activities and media outreach as well as capacity building activities.
As of 5 December 2008, UNDP and the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities signed a project document detailing UNDP’s contribution to the Lebanese electoral process that goes beyond the coming parliamentary elections to cover the 2010 municipal elections.
Aud Lise Norheim, Norwegian Ambassador in Lebanon, stressed the importance of moving beyond short term electoral assistance to Lebanon into a more strategic approach that would provide post-conflict Lebanon with an opportunity towards stability and democracy.