The Government of Japan and United Nations Development Program have filled a crucial gap in election security funding. In advance of the October 10, 2017 general elections in Liberia, Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) yesterday signed an exchange of notes to strengthen election security with a fund of US$1.14 million. The project is to support the deployment of police and other civilian security personnel to provide security during the elections.
At the signing ceremony, the heads of the National Elections Commission, Liberia National Police, the Ambassador of Japan to Liberia and the Deputy Director of Operations of UNDP acknowledged the importance of this funding. Exchanging the notes at the headquarters of the Elections Commission, the Ambassador of Japan to Liberia, Kaoru Yoshimura, said “The elections in October will once again mark an important milestone in Liberia’s democracy and nation building. Japan’s support is an indication of its commitment to peace and stability in Africa. We are confident our support and that of other development partners would greatly contribute to a peaceful, democratic and credible election.”
Representing the chairman of the National Elections Commission, Commissioner Sarah Jegede welcomed the grant underscoring the importance in ensuring elections are held in a secure environment. Counselor Jegede said: “Elections are in many ways about partnerships and national institutions working together. The National Elections Commission’s preparations for the October 10, 2017 elections are on track. It is extremely encouraging that our partners at the Liberia National Police and other security agencies are equally prepared and our international partners Japan and UNDP have supported financing for a key part of their policing tasks.”
Full Article: Japan, UNDP Strengthen Election Security Support with U$1.14m Grant | Liberian Observer.
