A contribution to the Government of Moldova in the amount of approximately 1.1 million lei to assist the conduct of the constitutional referendum on September 5, 2010 will be provided through the “Democracy Support Program”, a joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from the Council of Europe. This contribution responds to the requests of the Government in addressing the challenges associated with the organizing of the referendum, including the voting in the out-of-country polling stations. The funding will enable critical assistance to the newly established polling stations abroad, and support key activities such as deployment of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and acquisition of equipment and material necessary for the conduct of referendum abroad. Furthermore, the conduct of the referendum will be observed through a separate initiative supported by the Joint Program. The “Democracy Support Program” responds to authorities’ needs in reforming and streamlining human rights protection mechanisms, strengthening political dialogue and developing a pluralist mass-media. It applies European standards in the activity of the judiciary system, the prosecution service, the police, the ombudsman institution, the media and the Parliament of Moldova. The Program is funded entirely by the European Union and is implemented by the Council of Europe. With a total budget of €4 000 000, the Program will run until July 2011.