Somaliland (Elections)

6. Alun Michael (Cardiff, South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): What support his  Depar tment is giving to the authorities in Somaliland to assist in arrangements for  elec tions. [303270]

The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Mr. Gareth  Tho mas): The United Kingdom, together with Sweden and Switzerland, is funding  inde pendent electoral experts to enable them to support the Somaliland national  elec toral commission. We will continue to urge the authorities in Somaliland to hold  ele ctions as soon as possible, once arrangements for them can be completed.

Alun Michael: I am sure my hon. Friend shares my satisfaction that progress is now being made towards holding effective presidential elections. Does he agree that  w hoever wins, it will be important to work further in developing parliamentary and democratic institutions in Somaliland, and will he and his Department help that  pro gress following the presidential elections?

Mr. Thomas: I agree that whoever wins will need to continue to work with the  inte rnational community and the people of Somaliland to improve governance there. We will certainly play our part if successful elections take place. We could provide further support to help to develop the economy of Somaliland, to improve access to basic services, and to address the root causes of the instability of which my  rig ht hon. Friend will be only too aware. [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker: Order. There are still far too many private conversations taking place on both sides of the Chamber. It is very unfair to the hon. Member who is asking a question, and to the Minister who is answering it. The House needs to come to  or der.

Mr. Gary Streeter (South-West Devon) (Con): Is not one of the greatest investme nts that this country can make in many developing countries, including Somaliland, the establishment of good governance and stable democracy? Will the Minister  en sure that the Westminster Foundation for Democracy is funded adequately, given that it does precisely that?

Mr. Thomas: I agree that one way in which the international community can help to encourage development in developing countries is by promoting good governance. That is one reason why the Department's third White Paper focused on this issue, and why the most recent White Paper continued to highlight our work on good governance. I have had a series of discussions about the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, as have other Ministers. If the hon. Gentleman has particular  conc erns about how it is being financed, I will be very happy to meet him to discuss them.





Source: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091202/debtext/91202-0002.htm