GENERAL ELECTIONS SUPPORTED BY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

(Sept 30th, 2005 No. 002)

The Governments of Australia and New Zealand today showed their support for the 2006 general election by contributing AUD$3million and NZ$5.3 million respectively.

The assistance will go towards a programme of technical support, training, election planning, budgeting, financial management and public awareness and education.

Australia Foreign Minister Alexander Downer who was present at the Elections Office in Suva this morning, said Australia was pleased to sign a tripartite agreement with representatives from New Zealand and Fiji for a joint programme to support the 2006 general elections.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Kaliopate Tavola who signed on behalf of the Fiji Government, said the agreement records the understandings and commitments by the three governments who will provide financial contributions, cooperation and support in the implementation of the Election Support Programme.

He said under the arrangement, Fiji will provide a Work Plan, of activities of endorsement by Australia and New Zealand.

“The activities that will be reflected in the Work Plan have been identified by the Fiji Elections Office Report : “A Report on Voter Enrolment Issues and General Election Preparedness for the 2006 Elections in Fiji.

“In terms of its format, the Arrangement provides, amongst other things, the principles under which the three signatories are cooperating, the specification of the respective contributions, provisions for payment, guides for the programme of implementation, reporting and general provisions.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister, Marian Hobbs said in a statement that a fair, reliable and transparent electoral system is essential to any country.

“…I am very happy that we can support one of our closest Pacific neighbours with their upcoming election and those to be held in the future,” she said.

Ms Hobbs said that although the 2006 election is the focus of this assistance, New Zealand wants to ensue that future elections are run successfully and both Australia and New Zealand have committed to on-going work with the Electoral Office to ensure an accurate and reliable voter registration system.

Meanwhile, Mr Downer returns to Australia today after meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, with his local counterpart Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola to discuss a range of social, economic and political issues as well as bilateral relations between Australia and New Zealand.

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