Joint Statement by UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO on ongoing UN electoral assistance to Bangladesh

The UN system has been providing electoral assistance to Bangladesh intermittently since 2008. UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO are currently supporting Bangladesh under the UN Sustainable Development Framework (2022-2027) to ensure more inclusive, gender-responsive and accountable governance systems and that all people are empowered, engaged and enjoy all human rights, peace, non-violence, justice and security.

This assistance is guided by United Nations principles, including respect for national sovereignty and ownership, the promotion of human rights, and a commitment to impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

The BALLOT Project, led by UNDP in collaboration with UN Women and UNESCO, is an electoral assistance initiative developed in response to a formal request of the Bangladesh Election Commission dated 5 December 2024.

The project was formulated based on extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including national authorities, political parties, civil society and international partners.

The project involves several national and international partners and is being implemented in a phased approach focusing on strengthening capacities of Bangladesh electoral stakeholders. It includes supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission's operational capacity, supporting voter and civic education, and promoting greater inclusion in electoral processes and information integrity. It is in line with Bangladesh's national priorities, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the UN normative framework for electoral assistance.

UN electoral assistance is always provided with respect for the sovereign authority of national institutions.

With the assistance of the UNDP-led project, 6 million new voters have been added to the 120 million already registered, creating a significant opportunity to help shape the country's democratic trajectory and foster long-term stability.

Further information on the BALLOT project is available on UNDP's website.