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The Electoral Assistance Division, established in April 1992 in accordance
with General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/137, is responsible for the
coordination of the activities of the United Nations system in the field
of electoral assistance. In this capacity, the Division advises and
assists the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs who serves
as the Focal Point for United Nations electoral assistance activities.
In performing these responsibilities the Division:
- Reviews requests for United Nations electoral assistance and advises
the Focal Point on their implementation;
- Undertakes needs assessment missions to determine the specific
needs of a country requesting electoral assistance;
- Collaborates with other UN system agencies in the design of electoral
assistance project activities and in developing operational strategies
for the electoral components of peacekeeping operations;
- Coordinates and channels to the appropriate agencies requests
from Member States for electoral assistance;
- Coordinates and provides support to the activities of international
observers;
- Supports the development of in-country capacity to monitor elections
on a nonpartisan basis;
- Provides substantive advice and guidance on electoral matters
to Member States, as requested;
- Develops and maintains a roster of international experts who could
provide technical advice, as well as assistance in the observation
and/or verification of electoral processes;
- Advises and assists the Focal Point in the administration of trust
funds developed to support United Nations electoral assistance activities;
- Maintains contact with regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations to ensure appropriate working arrangements and enhance
effectiveness;
- Supports the development of regional networks of electoral organizations
as instruments for the coordination of activities and for the exchange
of expertise at the regional level;
- Prepares the report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly
on the activities of the United Nations to enhance the effectiveness
of the principle of periodic and genuine elections;
- Establishes an institutional memory to ensure consistency in the
assistance rendered to Member States organizing elections. Organizes
international conferences, workshops, seminars and training courses
on election-related subjects in co-operation with other organizations.
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