EC-UNDP provides Tk 3b deal to support voter-roll projects
Friday, 14 December 2007
The European Commission (EC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed Thursday three contribution agreements of EUR 30 million or Tk 3.0 billion to finance voter registration, local government reform and the activation of village courts.
In response to a funding request from the Bangladesh government, the EC is providing EUR 15 million (Tk 1.50 billion) for the preparation of a digital electoral roll with photographs, which would be used for local and next general elections, according to an EC release, reports UNB.
The EC funding for this project takes effect retroactively from the beginning of implementation of the project on July 1, 2007.
On the occasion, head of the EC delegation in Bangladesh Dr Stefan Frowein said the European Commission has voiced strong support for the voter-roll project as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the electoral process following the postponement of the January 2007 elections.
"We are delighted to be the largest donor to this important project, which is being coordinated by the UNDP, signalling our commitment to the democratic process in Bangladesh," Stefan observed.
In response to a funding request from the Bangladesh government, the EC is providing EUR 15 million (Tk 1.50 billion) for the preparation of a digital electoral roll with photographs, which would be used for local and next general elections, according to an EC release, reports UNB.
The EC funding for this project takes effect retroactively from the beginning of implementation of the project on July 1, 2007.
On the occasion, head of the EC delegation in Bangladesh Dr Stefan Frowein said the European Commission has voiced strong support for the voter-roll project as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the electoral process following the postponement of the January 2007 elections.
"We are delighted to be the largest donor to this important project, which is being coordinated by the UNDP, signalling our commitment to the democratic process in Bangladesh," Stefan observed.