An agreement was signed between the Australian High Commission in Dhaka and UNDP on Wednesday signed marking Australia as the first development partner to support the BALLOT Project, which aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s electoral process.
The project is a three-year-long joint initiative being implemented by UNDP Bangladesh, UNDP, UN Women, and UNESCO to assist Bangladesh ahead of a national election.
The agreement was signed by Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Susan Ryle and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Secretariat here in the capital.
EC senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed, UNESCO Country Representative Dr. Susan Vize and UN Women Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha were, among others, present.
Australia will fund AUS 2 million dollar to implement the US$18.53-million BALLOT project taken to support Bangladesh in conducting transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections during a pivotal political transition.
The BALLOT Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Bangladesh Election Commission, support the planning and implementation of an inclusive and peaceful electoral process, and promote informed civic engagement.
This includes targeted civic and voter education campaigns for vulnerable groups, including women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, elderly voters and first-time voters.
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said, "The BALLOT Project will help us strengthen systems, build trust, and deliver elections that all citizens can believe in."
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle said "Australia supports Bangladesh on its pathway to democratic elections. We are pleased to announce that we will contribute AUD2 million to support the Bangladesh Election Commission's BALLOT Project in partnership with the United Nations."
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said the BALLOT Project reflects the United Nations strong and ongoing commitment to support democratic governance in Bangladesh.
"Australia's leadership in becoming the first funding partner to support the BALLOT Project is a vital step in ensuring a credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral process,” he said.
The BALLOT Project places strong emphasis on enhancing women's participation, not only as voters but also as candidates, polling officials, observers, and party agents. Additionally, it includes a dedicated component on media and elections, supporting freedom of expression, journalist safety, and countering misinformation and disinformation during the electoral period.
On May 28 last, the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Election Commission and UNDP signed an agreement to launch the "BALLOT" project.
The BALLOT Project is designed to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission, promote voter education and civic engagement, support legal and electoral reforms, and enhance safeguards against misinformation and electoral violence.
The BALLOT Project (2025–2027) is a three-year initiative structured in two phases.
The first phase focuses on immediate electoral support, including technical preparations and voter outreach.
The second phase aims to institutionalize reforms and strengthen democratic resilience beyond the upcoming election cycle.
