Australia to provide Financial Assistance for Ballot Project of EC

Australia has pledged $2 million in financial assistance to support Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) through the UNDP-funded Ballot Project, ahead of the country’s upcoming national election.

The $18.53 million project- aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Election Commission (EC)- was formally supported through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Wednesday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, and Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Grace Reilly were present at the signing ceremony.

Following the event, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that the Ballot Project includes 16 key components focused on capacity building, public awareness, training, and institutional strengthening. “Australia’s $2 million contribution will play a key role in advancing this initiative, which will run until December 31, 2027. We also hope other international partners will join in supporting the project,” he added.

The initiative builds on earlier support from UNDP, which had previously provided essential equipment including laptops, scanners, and cameras during the initial phases of voter registration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Australian High Commissioner Susan Reilly said, “Australia and Bangladesh share a strong partnership. We are pleased to support Bangladesh in ensuring free, fair, and democratic elections. It’s an honour to contribute $2 million to such a significant initiative during a historic moment.”

UNDP’s Stefan Liller noted that the project was developed following a UN Needs Assessment Mission earlier this year, conducted at the request of the newly formed Election Commission. “Australia is the first donor to join the Ballot Project, and we are optimistic that more partners will come forward to support Bangladesh in conducting a credible and inclusive election,” he said.

The Ballot Project will be jointly implemented by the EC, UNDP, UNESCO, and UN Women, with the aim of supporting one of the most transparent electoral processes in the country’s history.