The United States Embassy is supporting Maldivian public institutions and civil society organizations through a $2.5 million, 18 month program to promote an open, democratic election by increasing civic participation. The program will be implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with Maldivian partners Transparency Maldives and the Raajje Foundation. These efforts will promote the integrity of the electoral process in the Maldives in advance of the September 2013 presidential elections and the subsequent local council and parliamentary elections.

U.S. Ambassador to Maldives Michele J. Sison announced the launch of the program. “The United States is proud to support Maldives as it continues its growth as a democracy. The program will work to ensure that all Maldivians participate in credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.”

The program aims to support the election process through resolution of disputes and voter education. This assistance will provide national and regional forums for dialogue with policy makers and civic leaders as well as dispute resolution and mediation training for community leaders. For Maldivian citizens, the program will launch a public awareness campaign to promote political reconciliation and a free and fair election. In addition, civic and voter education programs will provide training and grants for community based organizations to increase citizen participation and improve voter education across the atolls.

IFES staff will arrive in Maldives mid-May to meet with local partners and the program will commence in June.