The UNDP Electoral Support Program 2021 in Armenia project responds to the immediate needs of the RA Government by providing assistance in holding credible and transparent pre-term parliamentary elections on 20 June and beyond. The project is a result of a collective donor support provided by the European Union (EU) and the Governments of Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Major funds of the Swiss contribution, in addition to pre-term electoral support, will be dedicated to a longer-term post-electoral work at the local level. Notably, the intervention will be building on lessons learned related to the 20 June elections, and preparing for the upcoming municipal elections. The contribution will aim to reach the most vulnerable and the least represented members of the local population, as well as their potential leaders, in remote and in conflict-affected areas, language minorities, people without access to modern communication. As such, it is a longer-term investment to increase democratic participation and strengthen civic education.
The Project translates principles and objectives of Switzerland’s foreign policy and development cooperation into action. Switzerland supports the transition of Armenia towards a functioning democracy and market economy. It contributes to ensuring that the country’s population benefits from inclusive economic development and more democratic and legitimate institutions. It emphasizes the respect for human rights, the rule of law and promotes diversity.