PROJECT TITLE: DEMOS - Democratic Elections Motivation, Orientation and Support
COUNTRIES: Bangladesh
OVERALL OBJECTIVE: To promote free and fair elections in Bangladesh through enabling the electorate to make independent and informed decisions including raising the awarenss of the Bangladeshi civil society, and especially women, ethnic minorities and youth on their political rights and duties, and the promotion of active participation of the same categories in the decision-making process.
Specifically, it aimed at:
- enhancing civil society’s awareness on citizens’ participation in the decision-making process;
- fostering democratic dialogue between citizens and the public administration;
- improving women’s active participation in political life and the respect of ethnic minorities’ rights;
- raising awareness on the rights of politically under-represented groups.
ACTIVITIES:
Project activities included:
- Seminars and workshops, aimed at improving the understanding of the right to vote, especially for disabled people, religious minorities and women;
- Website and publications, as means of spreading the publicity campaign issues, further disseminating the results of the seminars/workshops and conference, and announcing all the events organized through the media;
- Final conference, with the participation of members of the local government and representatives of the political scene from Bangladesh, legal experts, students, academics and representatives from both Bangladesh and Europe.
FUNDING AGENCY: European Commission
LEADER: EPLO
PARTNERS: Odhikar, Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP), Organization of Development Program for the Underprivileged (ODPUP)
TIME FRAME: 2006-2007
