Here is the text of the statement, as prepared for delivery, by Under Secretary of State for Management Henrietta H. Fore:                                 

Thank you.                                                    

It is a pleasure to be here at the Election Commission. The Commission’s work is vital to Nepal’s democratic transition.  On behalf of my government, I wish to congratulate Chief Commissioner Pokharel, his fellow Commissioners, and all the staff for your dedication to the Commission’s critical mission.

The United States values its relationship with Nepal, and we support a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for your country.

So in supporting Nepal’s transition to democracy, I am pleased to announce today that the U.S. Mission, through USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives, has recently provided more than $200,000 in technical equipment to the Election Commission.  This donation, in addition to USAID/Nepal’s $2.7 million program to support the upcoming elections, will help ensure a successful voter registration campaign and timely Constituent Assembly election.

The donated equipment includes high-capacity servers and new data processing software to support the planned database of more than 15 million voters, and to minimize the risk of data loss.  The high-speed servers will help prepare the electoral roll within a short time-span.  Moreover, printers, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) equipment, and toner cartridges will ensure each District Level election office has a complete set of the basic equipment needed to update the voter rolls and successfully administer the Constituent Assembly election.

The United States is convinced that a legitimate and inclusive election process is critical to moving the peace process forward in Nepal.  So we are especially pleased to support the Election Commission in this fashion.

Now I have the pleasure of presenting to Chief Commissioner Pokharel a deed of donation, formally conferring this equipment to the Election Commission.

Thank you very much.