Norway has pledged an additional Norwegian kroner 2 million to the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) BALLOT project to support inclusive and credible local government elections in Bangladesh through May 2027.
The funding agreement was signed on Monday at the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka by Norway's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, and Sonali Dayaratne, officer-in-charge of UNDP Bangladesh.
Under the renewed partnership, the additional funding will support preparations for local government elections, with a particular focus on strengthening women's political participation and leadership.
The new phase of the project will prioritize three areas: increasing women's political participation and leadership, supporting inclusive and credible local government electoral processes, and strengthening the Parliamentary Women's Caucus in Bangladesh.
"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," Ambassador Gulbrandsen said at the signing ceremony.
Dayaratne said local government elections are a critical pillar of democracy, adding that Norway's additional contribution would help sustain support for the Bangladesh Election Commission in holding credible and inclusive local elections while improving women's representation in local government institutions.
The renewed support comes as Bangladesh prepares for local government elections. Although voter turnout reached 59.4% in the recent parliamentary election, women's representation remained low, with only seven women winning direct seats despite 87 female candidates contesting the polls.
The Parliamentary Women's Caucus will also receive support under the new phase of the project.
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 UNDP with support from development partners including Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, in collaboration with UN Women, UNESCO, and UNODC, the project works across the electoral cycle to advance institutional reforms, strengthen voter confidence, promote women's political participation, and support more inclusive local government elections.