The Australian High Commission and the United Nations signed an agreement on Wednesday in Dhaka, with Australia becoming the first funding partner of the BALLOT Project--a joint initiative by UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO to support Bangladesh ahead of its upcoming national election.
The signing ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. The agreement was signed by the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Susan Ryle, and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, Stefan Liller. Also present were Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Country Representative, and Navanita Sinha, UN Women Deputy Representative.
The BALLOT Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of BEC, support the planning and delivery of an inclusive and peaceful electoral process, and promote informed civic engagement. The initiative includes targeted voter education campaigns focusing on women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens and first-time voters.
A key component of the project is to enhance women's participation not only as voters but also as candidates, polling officials, observers and party agents. It also features a dedicated media and elections component, promoting freedom of expression, journalist safety and efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation during the electoral period.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said, "The BALLOT Project will help us strengthen systems, build trust, and deliver elections that all citizens can believe in."
Her Excellency Susan Ryle announced that Australia would contribute AUD2 million to the project, saying, "Australia supports Bangladesh on its pathway to democratic elections. We are pleased to partner with the United Nations and the Bangladesh Election Commission on this critical initiative."
Stefan Liller noted, "The BALLOT Project reflects the United Nations' strong and ongoing commitment to support democratic governance in Bangladesh. Australia's leadership as the first partner is a vital step toward a credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process."
Australia's contribution supports the BEC's institutional, technical and operational strengthening, aligned with its broader development cooperation goals of strengthening democratic institutions and promoting equitable governance.
