Embassy of India

ABIDJAN - COTE D'IVOIRE

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

between

THE COMMISSION ELECTORALE INDEPENDANTE OF

COTE D'IVOIRE

and

THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

for

COOPERATION IN ELECTORAL MATTERS

 

The Commission Electorale Independante of Cote d’Ivoire and the Election Commission of India, hereinafter referred to as the "Parties",

Taking into account relationship formed between them;

Reaffirming Commitment to democracy and reposing faith in free and fair democratic process and generally accepted norms of human rights;

Seeking to strengthen democratic institutions in order to improve electoral management and administration;

Considering the need to build on experience gained by the two parties and exchange technical expertise and other information; and

Recognising the need to establish a mechanism for cooperation in the design and implementation of the electoral process; and for exchange, consultation and cooperation in programmes and activities in the field of electoral management and administration,

Hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Parties undertake to promote cooperation, on mutually agreed terms and conditions in their mutually identified priority areas in the field of electoral management and administration, including:

(a)      Promotion of initiatives designed to strengthen electoral systems and democratic institutions;

(b)      Promotion of exchanges of knowledge and experience in the field of organisational and technical development, with a view to strengthening the management and administration of electoral processes;

(c)      In exchanging information, material, expertise and organising training of personnel;

(d)      Production and dissemination of materials pertaining to electoral systems, voting technology, voters' education and awareness, participation of weaker sections including women, enhancing participation

           in electoral process or related areas;

(e)      Facilitating relationships with other electoral authorities and organisations;

(f)       In providing assistance to other electoral authorities in the organisation and conduct of electoral processes on demand; and

(g)      Any other modality of cooperation mutually agreed by the Parties.

 

ARTICLE II

 

With a view to maintaining an appropriate mechanism for implementation of and follow-up to this Memorandum, the parties shall conduct periodic consultations for the purpose of:

(a)      Identifying and evaluating priority areas for carrying out specific organisational and technical  cooperation activities;

(b)      Recommending and preparing instruments designed to identify activities, programmes and projects to be executed, as well as assessing their implementation;

(c)      Overseeing proper observance of and compliance with this Memorandum.

 

ARTICLE III

Nothing in this Memorandum shall, in any way, prevent either Party from entering into bilateral agreements with other countries on matters covered under this MoU.

 

ARTICLE IV

In the implementation of this Memorandum, the Parties shall conclude Project Documents for organisational and technical cooperation, setting out the terms and conditions of such cooperation, the financial resources required and the legal status of the personnel involved.

 

ARTICLE V

Any dispute between the Parties relating to the interpretation and application of this Memorandum shall be settled by negotiations or other mutually agreed mode of settlement.

 

ARTICLE VI

This Memorandum may be amended by written agreement between the Parties.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

This Memorandum shall enter into force on the date of its signature and shall remain in force until terminated by either Party upon written notice and the orderly cessation of on-going organisational and technical cooperation activities.

Signed in the City of New Delhi, India on the tenth day of the month of September in the year two thousand and four, in two originals each in English and French languages, each text being equally authentic. In case of any divergence of interpretation the English text shall prevail.

 

________________________ For The Election Commission                of India	__________________            For The Commission Electorale  Independante of Cote D'Ivoire
Dr. Noor Mohammad Deputy Election Commissioner Election Commission of India	Camille Hoguie President Commission Electorale Independante of Cote D'Ivoire