February 14, 2008
No. 34
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable
Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today urged the Government of
Pakistan to hold free and fair elections on February 18, and outlined details of
Canadian support for the election process in Pakistan.
“These elections mark an important moment in Pakistan’s history,” said Minister
Bernier. “The government and people of Pakistan have before them the opportunity to
take an important step toward restoring democracy and helping to foster long-term
stability in the region. The Government of Pakistan must ensure the necessary
conditions for free and fair elections are met, including electoral oversight by an
independent judiciary.”
“Canada also urges Pakistan’s government to immediately release all political
detainees and to respect the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, freedom of
the press, and the right to peaceful assembly,” Minister Bernier added.
“Canada is supporting democratic processes in Pakistan through a variety of initiatives
that include sending four election observers and supporting local government to better
deliver basic social services at the community level,” said Minister Oda. “Canada’s
participation in the EU election observation mission demonstrates our commitment to
working closely with key partners to advance shared values around the world.”
Canada values the relationship it enjoys with Pakistan and is closely monitoring
preparations for the 2008 Pakistani parliamentary election and supporting efforts to
promote international best practices in electoral standards in Pakistan.
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A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
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Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
www.cida.gc.ca
Backgrounder
CANADIAN SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTION PROCESS IN PAKISTAN
Canadian support for the election process in Pakistan includes observation initiatives
for the upcoming parliamentary elections, as well as multi-year programs that are
helping local government become more responsive and accountable:
• Four Canadian election experts will join the EU Election Observer Mission to
Pakistan 2008, the largest multilateral team monitoring these elections.
• The Canadian High Commission will also be observing the elections, subject to
security considerations on election day.
• Canada has provided $1 million to a United Nations Development Programme
project established in 2006 to work with the Government of Pakistan to
strengthen electoral processes, through, for example, improving the systems
used in updating electoral rolls and in compiling and transmitting electoral
results.
• Canada is also providing $1.5 million to the Asia Foundation to support a variety
of initiatives. Among these is the Free and Fair Election Network, a group
representing more than 30 local non-governmental organizations working for
nationwide domestic election-monitoring and promoting voter education that
targets women, youth and first-time voters.
