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Prevention of violence and mitigation of conflicts during parliamentary election cycle

Project completed

The national parliamentary elections foreseen for late 2018 will be important for Bangladesh’s future development. The risk of political unrest and violence in the run-up to the elections is likely to increase. Against this background a number of like-minded development partners have agreed on a package of accompanying measures to contribute to peaceful elections. SDC proposes to associate itself to this program.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bangladesh
Governance
Other
nothemedefined
Elections
Sector not specified
01.08.2018 - 15.09.2020
 CHF  1’750’000
The project in brief
Background The next general election is due to be held in late 2018. Having participatory, violence free and inclusive elections will be a major contribution to the ongoing development of Bangladesh, its institutions and its people. It is expected that the ruling Awami League party will win the next poll, helped by patronage at local level and because it has overseen solid economic growth. Despite the arrest of its leader, the main opposition party (Bangladesh National Party) is expected to participate in the poll to prevent its further marginalisation from politics (it boycotted the 2014 ballot) and, in case of defeat, to dispute the outcome of the election. The Bangladesh Election Commission will be in charge of administering the national election. The Commission has sought technical/hardware support from the international community through UNDP for conducting the next general election. At the same time, civil society organisations have launched innovative activities and ideas for reforms and qualitative changes of the election process.  
Objectives The overall goal of the project is preventing violence and mitigating conflict in the electoral cycle and to engage in exchange platforms for citizens and civil society at the national and sub-national level.
Target groups Voters of Bangladesh, political parties and candidates and election administrators.
Medium-term outcomes
  • Outcome 1: The Bangladesh Election Commission effectively promotes a more credible and peaceful electoral process by monitoring and mitigating violence including violence against women in elections.
  • Outcome 2: Civil Society Organizations promote an active and tolerant citizenship in the democratic space.
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1: Support to the Bangladesh Election Commission in organizing and administering a more inclusive electoral process.

Output 2: Support to the Bangladesh Election Comission in promoting a more credible and peaceful electoral process. 

Output 3: Election Observation by the Civil Society Coalition “Election Working Group” for transparent and Accountable elections.

Output 4: Active citizenship for accountability of electoral process.

Output 5: Building capacity of Civil Society Organizations in electoral process.

Output 6: Voter empowerment, process assessment and outcome evaluation.


Results from previous phases:  

  • SDC Dhaka has provided support to elections in 2014 and learnt that despite robust technical preparation, political unrest and violence can undermine a successful poll. Marginalized segments of the population such as women and religious minorities are disproportionately affected by the violence surrounding elections.
  • Support empowerment of voters and creation of awareness among especially first time voters will help protecting citizens’ right to vote and add to the credibility of the election process.
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


Coordination with other projects and actors

Election Working Group

Bangladesh Election Commission

Shujan (NGO)
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’750’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’681’863
Project phases

Phase 1 01.08.2018 - 15.09.2020   (Completed)

  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    Unallocated / Unspecified
    Unallocated / Unspecified
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Elections
    Sectors not specified
    Sectors not specified
    Cross-cutting topics The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
    Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F10038

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Last update 26.09.2023