The government of Canada will donate nearly €1 million to support general and local elections in Mozambique as part of strengthening democracy in the African country, officials in Toronto announced on Friday.“Voting is the main language of democracy, and democratic governance is one of the best systems, capable of delivering what is most important to people: peace, security and respect for human rights,” said Sara Collins, Canada’s high commissioner in Maputo.Collins was speaking during the signing of a partnership agreement with the National Elections Commission (CNE) of Mozambique and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the entity that will manage the projects covered by the fund.Civic education for women, people with disabilities, young people and the elderly, with a view to their participation in elections, as well as building the technical capacities of electoral bodies, are the areas that will benefit from Canadian financial aid, she said.“The issue of credible and inclusive elections is a concern shared by Canada, not only in Mozambique but also in other friendly countries,” said Collins.The president of Mozambique’s National Electoral Commission (CNE), Carlos Matsinhe, emphasized the importance of external funding for electoral processes in Mozambique, given the country’s lack of resources.“To the electoral bodies, this support comes to make up for some deficit, as it will be able to cover the area of training and allow greater citizen engagement in the electoral processes,” Matsinhe said.Several programmes included in the electoral processes have been paralysed due to lack of funds, the CNE president revealed.The support announced today is intended for actions included in the local elections of 11 October and the general elections of 2024. (ICE MAPUTO)

Fonte notizia: LUSA