$1m allocated for Afghan vote observers
July 1, 2009 - 10:14AM

Australia will provide $1 million for Asian observers to watch over the upcoming Afghan elections.

It is very important the international community sees a transparent and fairly conducted election, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says.

Another 120 Australian soldiers are being dispatched specifically to enhance election security.

Australia has already committed $8 million for the Afghan independent election commission.

The Asia Foundation, an American-based non-government organisation, is working with a range of Asian nations to have observers at the presidential and local council elections.

"And we are supporting that," Mr Smith told Sky News, adding Australia would also be providing a small team of monitors for the August 20 elections.

Australia is deploying additional trainers to Afghanistan, with total troop strength expected to reach about 1,550.

Insurgent forces are expected to increase attacks on the Afghan government and coalition forces in the lead-up to the polls.

Mr Smith also announced Australia would provide $5 million for displaced people in Pakistan.

The bulk of that funding would be used to provide food through a UN program, taking Australia's humanitarian assistance to Pakistan to more than $20 million.

© 2009 AAP