RAMALLAH, April 23, 2012 (WAFA) – The Central Elections Commission (CEC) Monday signed 11 agreements to fund micro projects within the “Supporting CEC” project, funded by the Global Program for Electoral Cycle Support (GPECS) and implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), said a statement.

The agreements were signed with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in the field of democracy and human rights, said the press release.

The project will be implemented in two phases over the course of the next six months, during which the selected CSOs will implement projects funded by the CEC’s “electoral awareness fund” targeting women, youth, academics, and university students in the aim of enhancing election awareness and democratic practices in the Palestinian society.

The statement stressed that the project will be implemented both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Upcoming trainings will focus on electoral systems, election observation and the role of media in election coverage, indicated the press release, adding that drama performances and multimedia productions will be among the activities to raise the level of political participation and awareness among Palestinians in general and women and youth in particular.

CEC Chief Electoral Officer, Hisham Kuhail thanked UNDP for supporting such activities that contribute towards strengthening CEC’s relation with civil society and supporting CSOs role in instilling democratic practices in the local community.

R.Q./M.S.