PALIKIR, Pohnpei (Radio Australia): April 30, 2002 - Australia is funding a new national computerized voter registration system for the Federated States of Micronesia.

The approximately US$ 200,000 system is being provided by AusAID and will be installed by the Australian Electoral Commission.

The project was announced in the State of Pohnpei last week by Australian MP Neil Andrew, who is the Speaker of Australia's lower house of Parliament, the House of Representatives.

A statement said the Australian-designed electronic voter registration system was tested in Pohnpei last year, prompting the three remaining FSM states - Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap - to request a national installation.