February 01, 2008	Friday	Muharram 22, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Handing over election supplies worth $3.5 million to the Election Commission on Thursday, Ambassador of Japan Seiji Kojima expressed the hope that Islamabad would fulfil its commitment to holding free, fair and transparent elections on February 18.

He said the government of Japan placed great attachment on the forthcoming elections as a part of the democratisation process in the country.

Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad, secretary Election Commission; Alvaro Rodriguez, country director United Nations Development Programme; Eric Hawthorne, head of development department for International Development, and other donors were also present at the handing- over ceremony.

The government of Japan has provided $3.5 million to support the preparations for the forthcoming general elections through its contribution to the joint programme of Pakistan and the UNDP.

The Japanese contribution has been used to procure new transparent ballot boxes as well as other electoral commodities such as tamper-resistant seals and polling booths which would contribute to free, fair and transparent elections.

The ambassador said Japan considered Pakistan’s development as a ‘moderate and modern Islamic state’ to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the international society.

He said Japan would continue to support Pakistan’s efforts for the economic and social development as well as consolidation of democracy.

Speaking on the occasion, the secretary election commission said all necessary arrangements for the elections had been made.