New support of the European Union to civil society in the area of electoral governance The handing-over ceremony was held in the presence of the French Ambassador Lionel MAJESTE-LARROUY currently assuming the Presidency of the European Union in Seychelles VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 20, 2017/APO/ --
In the context of the support programme on electoral reform, the European Union donates a new car to the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS). The handing-over ceremony was held in the presence of the French Ambassador Lionel MAJESTE-LARROUY currently assuming the Presidency of the European Union in Seychelles.  
On this occasion, Marjaana SALL, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles declared: "I am particularly pleased that through this programme, the European Union is associated with the ongoing reforms in the electoral process. The Seychelles-European Union partnership is based on the shared principles of Democracy, Rule of Law and Respect of Human Rights. We are keen to actively cooperate in these areas. The acquisition of this new car today will facilitate outreach activities to districts and communities conducted by Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS), who is implementing the project. The acquisition of a car will allow CEPS to carry out the activities under the project 'Building capacity for citizens' participation in the democratic process and good governance in Seychelles', including the training of trainers programme". 
Background  
In July 2016, the European Union signed a grant contract with CEPS for a total amount of EUR 99 000 (approximately 1 500 000 Seychelles Rupees), whose objective is to assist in increasing fairness, transparency and civic participation in the democratic elections process in Seychelles. This is being achieved by focusing firstly on building civic awareness and capacity in order to ensure citizens' participation in the elections, and secondly on increasing fairness, ethics and transparency in the electoral process via civic education and training.
The project activities consist of:
A total duration of the project which is financed by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights Budget Line is 12 months.  
The European Union is a strong believer in the active role that Non-State Actors can and should play to accompany governments in the implementation of their development agenda.  
Distributed by APO on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, Union of Comoros and Republic of Seychelles.