PALIKIR, Pohnpei (Marianas Variety): September 23, 2002 - Australia has provided the Federated States of Micronesia with a computerized voter registration system under an AusAID-funded technical assistance project executed by the Australian Electoral Commission, a media release said.

The new system is being used by FSM state and national election officials to update the electoral roll for national elections in March 2003.

In his remarks at the formal hand-over ceremony in Kolonia, Australian Ambassador Brendan Doran congratulated all those associated with the highly successful project and noted the excellent cooperation that exists between Australian and FSM electoral organizations.

He referred to the contribution of such organizations to good governance that in turn was the foundation for confident and stable democracy and economic and social progress.

Vice President Redley Killion, FSM National Election Director Bernell Edward, state and national officials and representatives of the AEC attended the ceremony.

The system comprises a number of interlinked computers, that allow the input and verification of voter registration forms into a central database. The latter, and associated software, provide checks and balances to an international standard that ensure the integrity of the electoral roll. The amalgamation of data from state and national offices creates a single voter list that can be used for any electoral event. The ability of the system to produce statistical information is also useful for the efficient planning of election arrangements.