Japan Supports Civil Monitoring of Elections

DHAKA, Dec. 2 (Japan Embassy Press Release) — Government of Japan has decided to donate US$ 121,514 to FEMA under

“Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects” (GGHSP) for the civil monitoring of elections, including the 10th Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh.

The Grant Contract for this project was signed today at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka, by H.E. Mr. Shiro Sadoshima, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Ms. Munira Khan, President of FEMA.

During the ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador commented, “A credible electoral process is integral to the advancement of democracy – we are

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happy to be able to contribute to this end”. He also added that he sincerely hopes for the peaceful and timely implementation of an all-inclusive general election.

Through this project, FEMA will mobilize a total of 1,550 observers in the 300 constituencies of Bangladesh. Training programs have been designed to train observers to monitor whether the electoral process is in line with the legal and administrative frameworks. Further, voter education and information dissemination campaigns will be conducted to facilitate the Bangladeshi citizens’ participation in the electoral process. It is to be noted that FEMA has monitored past parliamentary elections, City Corporation elections and several by-elections.

Ms. Munira Khan, President of FEMA mentioned, “This project will enable Bangladeshi citizens to participate peacefully and meaningfully in the electoral process”. FEMA’s Head stressed that this assistance will also support steps to enhance the electoral framework and process beyond the next general election.

The Government of Japan has been providing assistance for the good governance of Bangladesh and supported past general elections. GGHSP was first introduced to Bangladesh in 1989 with the primary objective of supporting development projects that enhance human security at the grass-roots level. To this date, a total of 178 projects have been funded through this scheme, amounting to US$13,671,246 in grant.