The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and one of its development partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have restated their commitment towards strengthening the electoral process by building a stronger partnership.
Chairman of INEC, Professor Yakubu Mahmood gave the assurance, while the New Country Director of UNDP, Mr. Samuel Bwalya. The New Country Director was in INEC for a familiarization courtesy visit.
The INEC Chairman while welcoming the new UNDP Country Director, expressed delight at the fruitfulness of the existing relationship between both organizations. He said : “We are happy that the collaboration that has existed for a long time between the Commission and the UNDP can wax stronger under your leadership”.
Professor Mahmood highlighted some key areas of cooperation with the UNDP. They include: sponsorship of strategic workshops, capacity building for staff and political parties, election security and induction of newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
He urged the UNDP to see the Commission as a willing partner open to explore new vistas of opportunities for cooperation as the 2019 general election approached and beyond.
Earlier in his remarks, the new UNDP Country Director, Mr. Samuel Bwalya, expressed readiness to build on the existing cordial relationship between both organizations.
He stressed the need for experience sharing among African countries, and assured that his organization was committed to enhancing the credibility to the electoral process.
Mr. Bwalya explained that: “the most fundamental principle of the United Nations is to ensure that elections are peaceful and credible and represent the views of the people”.
