The Association of World Election Bodies announced a ceremony held for opening its Secretariat in Incheon Songdo International City, Korea on April 2.

The opening ceremony was attended by approx. 60 participants including A-WEB management, those from such international organizations as International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Asia Foundation, National Endowment for Democracy, etc. and domestic VIPs.

The ceremony consisted of 2 parts, the 1^st part of which included an opening address by Chairperson Lee In-Bok, the report on the progress of A-WEB’s establishment, congratulatory remarks and a performance. At the 2^nd part, the A-WEB Executive Board meeting was held to discuss major project plans for 2014, the approval of internal regulations, etc.

The major project plans for 2014 include the operation of international election observation missions, training for election officials, joint projects with international organizations, etc.

Meanwhile, on April 3 following the opening ceremony, there were discussions led by A-WEB Secretary General Kim Yong-Hi on ‘Collaboration between A-WEB and international organizations’, ‘How to secure financing for A-WEB’, etc.

A-WEB is the international organization launched in October 2013 under the slogan of ‘Democracy to Grow for All Worldwide’ following the proposal by the NEC of Korea made at the Seoul forum in October 2011 for the settlement and development of democracy across the globe.

One A-WEB source said attention and support from the public and relevant agencies would be crucial to A-WEB embarking on its successful journey.