Support to the parliamentary and Upazila elections in Bangladesh

Project completed

The national parliamentary elections foreseen for early 2014 will be highly important for Bangladesh’s future development as a democratic state. Amidst uncertainties and high polarisation, like-minded international development partners have agreed on a package of accompanying measures to assure that the elections can be conducted and locally monitored in a professional manner. The suggested activities will also support other upcoming election processes. SDC proposes to associate itself to this program.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bangladesh
Governance
Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights
Elections
Decentralisation
01.12.2013 - 30.06.2015
CHF 2'000'000
Background

The parliamentary elections held in December 2008 ended a two years caretaker government and marked the return to elected governance. These elections were asserted to be the freest and fairest in the nation’s history. However, on the eve of the upcoming 10th parliamentary elections, hardening attitudes raise legitimate concerns over the solidity of the democracy. Elected governance at Upazila level (sub-district) was re-established in January 2009 after 18 years. Upazila Councils are expected to assume responsibility for setting local development planning and spending priorities as a middle tier of government that controls the largest funding flows from the center.

Objectives

Fair elections contribute to improved local governance and strengthen citizen participation.

Target groups

Voters of Bangladesh (national and community broadcasting), political parties and candidates and election administrators (700’000 for capacity building)

Medium-term outcomes
  1. The 10th parliamentary election and the subsequent Upazila election are administered soundly and transparently by a strengthened Bangladesh Election Commission.
  2. A strengthened coalition of civil society organizations contributes to democratic, transparent and credible elections (parliamentary and Upazila)
Results

Results from previous phases:  

A high participation of voters in the national elections 2008 (over 86% of ~70 million voters) is the outcome of the adequate process management by BEC, based on a new electoral roll (with SDC support); women’s participation was higher than ever; marginalised people in remote areas were specially addressed and reached. The Election Working Group (EWG), (with SDC support) deployed over 146’000 domestic election observers.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • 1.UNDP: coordination, technical assistance, quality assurance 2.The Asia Foundation: coordination, technical assistance, quality assurance


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   2'000'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   1'812'070
Project phases

Phase 1 01.12.2013 - 30.06.2015   (Completed)