HL Deb 17 January 2005 vol 668 c86WA
The Lord Bishop of Winchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What financial assistance they are providing towards next year's elections in (a) Iraq; and (b) the Democratic Republic of Congo. [HL536]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Government have contributed 10 million dollars and provided two advisers to assist the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) in its preparations for the forthcoming elections. In addition, the Department for International Development (DfID) has established a £5 million political participation fund to support activities that will increase opportunities for political representation and participation by all Iraqi citizens, particularly women.

The UK, through DfID, is considering an initial contribution of £5 million to the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo through the multi- donor framework managed by the United Nations Development Programme. It is planning possible further support through other agencies on civic education and to help enhance the capacity of the Congolese public, including women, to participate fully in the electoral process.