Norway extends support to UNDP’s BALLOT project

The Government of Norway and the United Nations Development Programme have entered a new partnership to bolster inclusive local government elections and advance women's political participation in Bangladesh under the BALLOT project.

Under the renewed agreement, Norway will contribute an additional NOK 2 million to support credible and inclusive local government elections in Bangladesh. The extended partnership will remain in effect until May 2027.

The agreement was signed at the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka today (8 July) by Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh Sonali Dayaratne.

The new phase will prioritise three areas: strengthening women's political participation and leadership, supporting credible and inclusive local government electoral processes, and activating and strengthening the Parliamentary Women's Caucus in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Gulbrandsen said, "Local governance is central to inclusive democracy. Norway is pleased to continue its partnership with Undp to support credible local elections and strengthen women's participation in political life. Ensuring that more women can take part as voters, candidates and leaders is essential for building a stronger and more representative democracy."

Officer-in-Charge Sonali Dayaratne said, "Local government elections are a critical milestone of democracy. This additional contribution from the Government of Norway will sustain support for the Bangladesh Election Commission in conducting credible and inclusive local government elections. It will also help strengthen women's representation in local government institutions."

This renewed support comes as Bangladesh prepares for local government elections. In the recent National Parliamentary Election, voter turnout stood at 59.4%, but women's representation remains low. Only seven women were directly elected, despite 87 women candidates, according to the press release.

The new phase of the BALLOT project will further strengthen women's participation, leadership and representation in the upcoming local government elections. The Parliamentary Women's Caucus will also receive targeted support in this phase.

The BALLOT project supports Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes by enhancing the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission and promoting broader participation in democratic governance.

Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme with support from development partners—including Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland—and in collaboration with Un Women, Unesco and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the project works across the electoral cycle to advance institutional reform, voter confidence, women's political participation and inclusive local elections.