The NEC Electoral Commissioner, Joseph Cain, met with Australia’s High Commissioner to Nauru, Angela Tierney on Friday 29 March 2019.

Discussions focused on Australia’s support to the NEC and looking at progress to date on preparations for the 2019 General Elections.

Australia is a co-sponsor with New Zealand, and with support from the Government of Nauru, of an ongoing project – the Nauru Electoral Support Project (NESP) – to strengthen the capacity of the Electoral Commission and create a more inclusive and transparent electoral process. The project has been initiated by the Electoral Commission of Nauru (NEC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will run until June 2020.

With this support, the NEC is able to significantly improve and develop its processes and staff capacity. The upcoming 2019 general elections, and all future elections will benefit with a much improved technical process, and a greater emphasis on outreach and community ownership of the electoral processes. The support also allows the NEC access to legal and gender advisory support to improve the legal framework around the elections and allow a greater focus on enhancing women’s participation in electoral events.

NEC Commissioner Meets with Angela Tierney , Australia’s High commissioner to Nauru