Within the framework of the EU-funded South Programme II, 11 experts from the Southern Mediterranean participated in the 14th European Conference of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), organised by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation and the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States on 15-16 May 2017 in St Petersburg, Russia.

Representatives from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia were among the 120 participants representing various international organisations, including central electoral commissions and administrations from Europe and beyond. The primary objectives of the conference were to identify ways to improve the functioning of electoral administration and exchange good practices on ensuring the efficiency, visibility and interactivity of the electoral management bodies.

The conference, which was structured around a series of plenary and group working sessions, enabled Southern Mediterranean participants to network and advance their knowledge about the implementation of international standards and follow-up of democratic elections. The event concluded with the unanimous adoption of a “St Petersburg Declaration” calling on the EMBs, legislators and political parties to improve legislation and practices in order to secure functional EMBs, and therefore the conduct of democratic elections.

The EU-CoE Joint Programme “Towards strengthened democratic governance in the South Mediterranean” – South Programme II, 2015-2017 – funded with a budget of €7.4 million – aims to contribute to the reinforcement of democratic governance in the Southern Mediterranean region by supporting the development of new constitutional and legal frameworks; contributing to the creation and expansion of a common legal space between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean and fostering regional co-operation in the field of human rights, Rule of law and democracy.

Co-operation activities under the South Programme are primarily directed to Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan and open to other countries from the Southern Mediterranean, through regional activities or targeted bilateral activities.

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South programme II website