ISLAMABAD, Aug 15: The United States and Pakistan signed a $22.1 million agreement to support local governance, strengthen parliamentary institutions and provide commodities and assistance to promote fair elections.

The agreement will fund US Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes, which are implemented in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The agreement was signed by USAID/Pakistan Director Jonathan Addleton and Secretary Economic Affairs Division Khalid Saeed.

Mr Addleton said USAID’s governance programmes were designed to increase communication between the government and citizenry and improve the ability of government institutions to serve the people.

The Districts that Work Programme will improve local governments’ ability to deliver high-quality public services efficiently, particularly health and education services.

Additionally, the programme will help district governments and members of the private sector in creating and implementing local economic development plans. This year, the programme will be launched in two districts each in Punjab and Sindh and one district each in Baluchistan and the NWFP.

Other USAID programmes are designed to make national and state legislatures work more effectively. USAID is supporting the creation of the Pakistan Institute for Legislative Services, which will help all members of the national and provincial assemblies work more effectively by improving parliamentary research and support resources.

USAID funding also assists parliament’s internship programme, strengthens parliament’s committee system, encourages parliament’s increased involvement in the budget process and helps parliament achieve its goal of improving public access to the legislative process.

USAID funding will also support a UN-organised, multi-donor initiative to strengthen the Election Commission of Pakistan and its ability to implement elections in 2007. Possible assistance includes provision of transparent ballot boxes, voter screens, and assistance in the computerisation of voter rolls.