European Union Gives US 10, 769.000 Million Euros as support for 2017 Electoral Cycle

The Government of Liberia, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have signed a financing agreement of US$11.4.000 million and US$1 Million to support the Liberian Electoral Cycle in fulfillmentof the many actions foreseen in the EU-Liberia Partnership that were established in the Eleven National Indicative Program (EDF).

Signing on behalf of the Liberian Government during a ceremony held at the National Election Commission Headquarters on Monday, Finance and Development Planning Minister Amara Konneh disclosed that the financing agreement was crucial because it seals the joint commitment of the Liberia Government, the EU, and the UNDP to strengthen the National Elections Commission (NEC) alongside other electoral institutions, stakeholders and the various processes in ensuring the credibility of future electoral cycles.

According to the tripartite agreement, EU will contribute 10 million Euro, which is approximately US$11.4 million while the UNDP will provide US$10 million.

The Treasure Chief further explained that the signing agreement was highly significant as Liberia aim to sustain a good record of peace and democracy that have been built through togetherness over the last decade.

‘’I would like to reach out to all of Liberia’s Development Partners to rally around us with resources and expertise that will position NEC to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible election,’’ Minister Konneh noted.

He indicated that the investment of Europe 10,769.000 will play a major role in enhancing Liberia’s good governance and the rules of law, as said agreement will fulfill the result of efficiency and transparent elections especially 2017, thus leading to a smooth transition of a new government.

Minister Konneh reaffirmed the importance of supporting Liberia security institution in order to maintain the security of the state and what he called the fragile peace Liberians are enjoying today.

‘’Democracy is soft but very expensive, 2017 elections will be the first time that we will see one living President constitutionally turning over to another living president since 1944, when President Barclay turned over to President Tubman,” he declared.

For her part, the head of EU Ambassador Tiina Intelmann said the European Union is well known for its support to the process of democratization in the world.

She indicated that one of the essentials elements of the partnership between Liberia and the EU is the promotion of democratic principal, together with respect of human rights and the rule of law.

Also making remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP Representative accreted to Liberia pledged their continuous commitment to support Liberia 2017 elections process.
It can be recalled in last March 2014, EU –Liberia partnership was establish in the 11th EDF National Indicative Program in Brussels along with EU Commissioner Mr. Neven Mimica