The Council of Management of the Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) has announced the launch of its 2011 programme to monitor the upcoming National and Regional Elections.
In a press release, the EAB said it will be testing the voters list; providing hotline and open house services to members of the public who wish to verify their names or report any irregularities; conducting public awareness training and placing observers at all polling stations to observe the polling process and monitoring the count and award of seats to the National Assembly.
It started preparations for this year’s polls in April with fundraising and setting up a suitable office. The EAB said from April to July it located, refurbished and equipped its new office located at 30 North Road, Bourda, which was accomplished with support from sponsors which provided the office space, the British High Commission which provided an institutional strengthening grant and donations from the private sector. The EAB extended gratitude to all the groups that helped it to start up its 2011 work programme. The current Project Director Abbas Mancey runs the office along with the Project Coordinator Susan Stephens, an office assistant and a security attendant.
On July 27, the EAB hosted an inception review session with the election observation coordinators from the administrative regions to examine lessons learned during the previous election observation exercise and plan for the upcoming work programme. It is also currently engaging other donors to secure the remainder of funding needed to complete the work programme.
According to the release, the Council of Management comprises Chairman, Fr Malcolm Rodrigues; Secretary/Finance Officer Simone Mangal; and members David Yhann, Dr David Singh, Teni Housty and George Simon. Mancey is an Ex-Officio member of the Council. The EAB is inviting the public to visit or telephone its offices on contact numbers 231-8250 or 694-8722 for information.
