(2004-46) News Release October 7, 2004 Ottawa -- Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and International Cooperation Minister Aileen Carroll today announced further support to the October 9th Presidential elections in Afghanistan. The ministers confirmed that two Canadians have joined the Election Support Team of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Canada has also contributed an additional $3 million to the United Nations Development Programme to help establish and staff safe polling centres. Canadian embassies in Kabul, Islamabad and Tehran will also participate in election observation. "We believe that Canada's contribution comes at a critical time in Afghanistan's reconstruction and for the future of its democratic institutions." Minister Pettigrew said. "Free and open elections are a cornerstone of the democratic process, and we continue to offer our support to the people of Afghanistan. We also commend the OSCE for undertaking this important task." "Canadians understand the value of democracy, especially as expressed through free and fair elections," Minister Carroll said. "Canada is working very hard to assist and support the Afghan people as they build their own democratic future." The Presidential election marks a watershed in Afghanistan's transition toward a democratic, self-sustaining state. Parliamentary elections, to be held in the spring of 2005, will mark fulfillment of the 2001 Bonn Agreement, the initial roadmap for Afghanistan developed after the fall of the Taliban regime. Following today's announcement, Canada's support for the democratic process in Afghanistan now totals close to $24 million. As part of this process, Canada has also contributed to voter education and the registration process. For more information on Canada's role in Afghanistan, visithttp://www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca/menu-en.asp . - 30 - Information: Andrew Graham Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Cooperation Telephone: (819) 953-6238 Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: (819) 953-6534 Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Telephone: (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada Telephone: (613) 995-1874 Canada's Contribution to the Elections in Afghanistan Canada has played a key role in supporting the Afghan government and people in the country's evolution toward full democracy. The October 9th Presidential election is a major democratic step for the country. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has allocated close to $24 million to the democratic process in Afghanistan. These funds are part of CIDA's $250 million contribution to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan for the fiscal years 2003-05. The breakdown of the $24 million allocation is as follows: $1.5 million through Elections Canada and the International Foundation for Election Systems for technical assistance to help Afghanistan plan for the election; $10.45 million to the International Foundation for Elections Systems for voter registration, and for the provision of voter registration materials and equipment. The voter registration process achieved considerable success, registering some 10.5 million Afghans (almost 90 % of eligible voters), of which 41 % are women; $8 million to the United Nations Development Program to assist Afghanistan achieve open and democratic elections; A $1.75 million contribution to the Montreal-based Rights and Democracy to support the work of the Women's Rights Fund and the participation of women in the election process; $2 million to the Vancouver-based Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS) for a Media Support Project which, among others, develops the capacity of women's media to report on the election; CIDA has also provided funding for two election monitors, through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Support Team, which will support the presidential election in Afghanistan. Canadian diplomats in Kabul will also monitor the electoral process. In March 2004, Canada renewed its commitment to Afghanistan until 2009 with $250 million in new funds for development assistance. Canada's aid to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2009 will total over $616 million. Canada's goal is to help Afghanistan become an independent, stable and prosperous nation. CIDA's aid program, which initially consisted of humanitarian aid, now focuses on reconstruction and development assistance targeted to four priority areas, identified by the Afghan government in its National Development Framework/Budget -- security and the rule of law, rural livelihoods and social protection, natural resources and agriculture, and budgetary support for the Afghan Government. Canada works through the National Priority Programs of the Afghan government which has praised Canada as an honorable and principled donor. Information: Media Relations Office Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Telephone: (819) 953-6534 E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca Web site: www.cida.gc.ca
