MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
STEPHEN SMITH
Australia will provide $500,000 through the United Nations to support the conduct of free and fair elections in Burundi in 2010.
This funding, together with contributions from other donor countries, will support organisation of the elections, logistics and security, civil education, media coverage, and women's participation in the electoral process.
Presidential, parliamentary and local elections will take place in Burundi between May and September. For many decades Burundi has endured periods of conflict. The 2010 represent a major peacebuilding challenge for the country and will be a test of the sustainability of Burundi's peace process. The presidential election in June will mark the first time in the post-conflict period that a president of Burundi is elected by direct popular vote.
As part of its enhanced engagement with Africa, Australia is committed to assisting African countries to achieve and maintain peace and security.
Australia shares the commitment of the international community to assist wherever possible to ensure Burundi's 2010 elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
This funding is part of the $6 million announced by the Australian Government in January 2010 to support peacebuilding efforts being undertaken by the United Nations.
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