| Congratulations from Secretary General |
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| Last updated 2014-10-16 |
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Dear Esteemed Chairpersons of EMBs and representatives of partner organizations,
It has been a year since the Association of World Election Bodies was established as the world’s largest electoral organization in Incheon, the Republic of Korea on October 14, 2013 after its establishment was suggested in 2011 in Budapest.
Elections conducted in 2014 have been the center of attention worldwide. The outcomes of the elections have great impacts around the world beyond their borders. Such impacts provide us with opportunities to realize the importance of elections, and a serious responsibility for the role A-WEB has to play in the advancement of democracy worldwide.
Over the past year since its launch, A-WEB has attained meaningful achievements; the opening of A-WEB Secretariat, successful hosting of Executive Board meeting, Election Visitor Program and training programs for election officials as well as the enactment of A-WEB Support Act and the conclusion of MOUs with five international organizations engaged in election, democracy and international aid including USAID and IFES. We believe that these achievements will lay the groundwork for A-WEB to push forward stable, efficient and sustainable projects for the advancement of democracy worldwide.
A-WEB, founded with the participation of 97 organizations from 94 countries, will boast more than 100 member organizations at the next General Assembly as Paraguay, Argentina, Macedonia, Peru and other countries have expressed their interest in joining A-WEB. I believe members could contribute to the development of democratic electoral systems and the promotion of democracy through exchange of experience and knowledge.
Our organization aims to advance election and democracy in cooperation with various international electoral organizations. To this end, A-WEB will make its utmost efforts to establish free, fair and democratic elections around the world, enhance capability of election officials and promote international exchange and partnership.
The Secretariat is carefully studying the conversion of A-WEB into an inter-governmental organization so that A-WEB effectively organizes projects, including election observations and training programs and carries out joint projects with international organization in a smooth manner. I kindly ask both member EMBs and international organizations for your active support and cooperation in our efforts. We will make sure to value and reflect your ideas not only in the process of conversion but also for our projects. The establishment of A-WEB last year was the fruition of the international community’s aspiration which wishes for the advancement of democracy through free and fair elections. Democracy will be realized in tandem with sustainable growth of the government established through free and fair elections when voices of individuals are fully reflected in elections through their votes.
I believe that not only our members but also international organizations are looking forward to seeing A-WEB spearhead to advance democracy worldwide. I will join forces with the Secretariat to develop A-WEB further and hope to contribute to the advancement of democracy worldwide in partnership with all of you.
Thank you.
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