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EU offers 5 million euros to support East Africa's electoral program

Xinhua, February 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union on Wednesday signed a financing agreement with the East African Community (EAC), committing 5 million euros to support its Regional Electoral Support Program (RESP).

Speaking at the EAC headquarters in Tanzania's city of Arusha, EU ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi described election observation as a vital component of EU activities to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide.

"Election observation can contribute to strengthening democratic institutions, build public confidence in electoral processes and help deter fraud, intimidation and violence," he said.

"Through this project, the EU is partnering with the EAC Secretariat to achieve these shared goals in the region," said the ambassador.

He said that the EU will continue to support the East African Community, building on the achievements of a long-lasting engagement with a new Regional Program between the EU and the EAC which will benefit the region a total of 85 million euros from 2014 to 2020

Richard Sezibera, EAC Secretary General said the EU's support is important and timely for the EAC to attain its vision of a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa.

The EAC Secretariat is committed to free, fair and peaceful elections in the region and support under this program is starting with Burundi and Tanzania in 2015, the official said.

The RESP, financed by the European Development Fund (EDF), will support the EAC capacity to follow up the elections to be held in the partner states between 2015 and 2018, he said.

It is intended to enhance democratic governance and political integration in the EAC, he added. Endi