The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has handed over Information Technology (IT) equipment to Mozambique Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) to support the preparations for the upcoming presidential, legislatives and provincial elections scheduled for 15 October 2019.

The equipment, valued at USD 70,000, will be used to conduct activities on civic and voter education and will assist in stablishing the STAE Media Center, as well as support in the accreditation of observers and media. It was provided with support from the peoples and Governments of Canada, Finland and Norway. It was procured by UNDP as part of its Support to Electoral Authorities of Mozambique (SEAM) Project.

The handover ceremony, held at STAE National Headquarters in Maputo on 07 March 2019, was witnessed by UNDP acting Resident Representative (RR a.i.) Mr. Abdourahmane Dia Boubacar and STAE, Director General, Mr. Felisberto Naife.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Dia Boubacar noted that the handover event demonstrates UNDP commitment to supporting Mozambique Electoral Management Bodies, particularly STAE, to strengthen capacity and civic knowledge of journalists and enhance civic awareness and knowledge in preparation for the elections.

“This is also a target of Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal16 to develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels which the media plays an important role to achieve. In fact, the media is a pillar of democracy-alongside the government, parliament, and judiciary-and it has a pivotal role to play” pointed out the UNDP RR a.i.

He thanked Canada, Finland and Norway for this support, expressing confidence that the equipment will support the flow of information during the upcoming national elections.

STAE Director General expressed his gratitude to UNDP for its support over the years, underscoring the cooperation his institution has with UNDP. “You are a very strong support in our mission to contribute to deepening democracy in the country by organizing credible, free and fair elections”, Mr. Naife said. 

“We can assure you and the partners who provided this equipment and supporting our elections, that it will be used for the intended purpose which is the establishment of the STAE media center and civic voter education”, affirmed STAE Director General.

This year’s elections are Mozambique’s sixth since the introduction of a multi-party system. However, these elections will be the first in which voters will simultaneously elect a president, parliamentarians and provincial governors, within a decentralization policy framework under implementation.