Canada provides electoral funding support to strengthen democracy in Ethiopia

August 26, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada will provide $1 million in funding to support the 2020 elections in Ethiopia. The funding will be provided through the United Nations Development Programme and will be drawn from the $10‑million Promoting and Protecting Democracy Fund, which Minister Freeland announced during the Global Conference for Media Freedom in London, United Kingdom, in July 2019.

Canada’s support for this project will help Ethiopia’s electoral management body increase its capacity in areas such as voter registration and post-electoral support; put in place transparency measures, for example by establishing appropriate dispute resolution systems; and build trust with the electorate, including through voter education. The project will have a special focus on ensuring the inclusive participation in the electoral process of women, youth and ethnic groups in all regions of the country.

Quotes

“Canada supports Ethiopia’s efforts to implement reforms and strengthen democratic institutions, which are essential for the conduct of credible, inclusive and peaceful elections.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

On July 11, 2019, at the Global Conference for Media Freedom in London, the Government of Canada announced $10 million annually to promote and protect democracy. This funding will focus on supporting electoral processes, reinforcing democratic practices by combatting disinformation, and strengthening civic engagement.
The 2020 elections will be both important and complex to organize, given that Ethiopia is a large country of more than 100 million people. The elections will take place both at the federal and regional levels of government. Millions of young Ethiopians will be voting for the first time.
Canada values Ethiopia’s contribution to the promotion of peace and security in East Africa and is encouraged by Ethiopia’s commitment to widening political space, fighting corruption, engaging with youth and ensuring the full participation of women in the country’s development.
Ethiopia is the second-largest recipient of Canadian international assistance globally, receiving $198.15 million from all international assistance sources in the fiscal year 2017 to 2018. Canada is one of the largest bilateral donor countries in Ethiopia.

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