The European Union, EU, has donated the sum of €26.5m to drive an initiative that will ensure that Nigeria’s 2019 general election is not only conclusive but credible.
According to the Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, the initiative which is tagged “EU support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN)” is funded under the 11th European Development Programme (EDF).
Karlsen said the overall objective of the initiative will contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong, effective and legitimate institution.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Abuja on Thursday, the Ambassador, said the €26.5m donationre-affirms EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process; adding that the spending of the funds will be anchored in the priorities areas identified by the federal government.
He said: “Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.
“The European Union continues to partner with Nigeria in the on-going reform process with a view to strengthening capacity to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of all Nigerians.
“For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from media to civil society.”
DAILY POST reports that, the initiative, which ends after the 2023 polls, will be implemented by ten partners including; The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Institute of Media and Society (IMS), International Press Centre (IPC), BBC Media Action, Albino Foundation, Cleen Foundation and the Westminswter Foundation for Democracy.
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