United Nations Development Programme

Support to Ministries and Government Institutions

Support to the Central Election Commission

The Central Elections Commission (CEC) was established as an independent electoral entity responsible for the preparation, administration and supervision of the legislative and presidential elections. Through adherence (until further legislation) to the 1995 Elections Law, the CEC adopted procedures necessary to hold elections in an impartial and transparent manner, monitor the electoral process and announce the results of the elections with efficiency, as demonstrated in the recent presidential election.

Support to Reform of the Palestinian Public Administration - Phase I

This project was primarily aimed at providing support and capacity building, to aid in the institutionalization of Palestinian National Authority ministries. The support programmes were specific to the needs of the ministries and the scope ranged from providing assistance and support in capacity building, to advice and the purchasing of high-quality communications systems to enhance effectiveness and accessibility, as at the Ministry of Labor. UNDP/PAPP also assisted and supported the ministries of National Economy, Foreign Affairs and Finance in improving their capacity and developing human resources.

Support to Reform of the Palestinian Public Administration - Phase II

This phase focuses on implementation and comprehensive planning. UNDP/PAPP provided support to democratic governance and concentrated on policy outcomes, as in the case of the Ministry of Planning where the Economic Recovery Strategy project (ERS) targeted the regeneration of the private sector, improvements in social protection and poverty alleviation and the restoration of public sector functions and services.

Support to Reform of the Palestinian Public Administration - Phase III

This phase will provide further technical assistance to line ministries, non-governmental organizations and selected private sector entities that are presently engaged in the Palestinian National Authority reform programme, particularly within the context of the September 2004 - 2005 One-Year Action Plan for Reform. The project aims to provide support to ongoing efforts to establish modern and efficient systems of financial control in-line with international best practices and continuing efforts to improve the transparency of Palestinian National Authority operations, while taking concerted action to tackle corruption within public institutions, ensuring transparency of public administration operations. Furthermore, the project aims at supporting public administration and civil service reform programmes including the security reform programme and strengthening private sector agencies.

Judiciary and Rule of Law Support Programme

In recognition of the need for the immediate strengthening of effective and equitable legal and judicial mechanisms, efforts in this area have included the recent construction of the first modern courthouse in the occupied Palestinian territory (in Nablus); procurement of equipment; and provision of technical support. These efforts have been undertaken in recognition that just and effective mechanisms of law are necessary for peace and state building, particularly in "post-conflict" situations.