The European Commission is to allot three million euros for projects meant to promote and monitor the 5 April 2009 parliamentary election in Moldova.
In this context, the EU commissioner for external relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, has said that these proceeds are aimed at helping the Moldovan authorities to successfully hold a free and fair election. "I encourage the Moldovan authorities to make all necessary efforts to consolidate the state based on the rule of law and to meet all commitments related to the observance of human rights and freedoms," the European official said.
Three projects are to benefit from this assistance. Two million euros are to be given to the development of a joint project of the European Commission and the UNDP entitled "Supporting elections in Moldova". This project is aimed at consolidating the institutional and functional capacity of the Central Election Commission (CEC), increasing the participation of Moldovans leaving abroad in the ballot, and enhancing electoral transparency by efficiently using the media.
About 500,000 euros are to be allotted to some non-governmental organisations, to promote the citizens' participation in the ballot and to encourage them to participate in the monitoring of media and candidates' activities, reported Moldpres.
At the same time, another 500,000 euros are to be earmarked for a joint programme of the European Commission and Council of Europe, Supporting Free and Fair Elections, for the improvement of the electoral legislation and electoral practices.