UK boosts support for Nepal elections
At a ceremony today at the Ministry of Finance British Ambassador Andy Sparkes said:
“As a longstanding friend of Nepal, the UK is determined to do all it can to support Nepal in its preparations for free, credible, democratic and inclusive elections this November. For this purpose, the UK has already provided a total of £3.5m through the Nepal Peace Trust Fund and £5m through UNDP.
I am pleased to announce today that we are gearing up our support. Through the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), we are looking to provide an additional £4m to the Nepal Peace Trust Fund. And DFID will support womens’ participation, election observation and training for journalists through projects worth up to £2m.
Overall these new funding pledges bring the UK’s total support to these elections to almost NRs 2 billion (£14.5M). As Ambassador, I am proud to be able to announce such significant support to what will be enormously important elections for the future of Nepal.”