What is EWG?

The Election Working Group is a 33-member coalition of domestic civil society organizations that share a common commitment to free and fair elections, good governance, and the achievement of higher standards of democratic representation and accountability in Bangladesh. With coordinating support from The Asia Foundation and financial support from a consortium of international development partners, the EWG’s multi-pronged strategy for the 2007 parliamentary election includes:

When was EWG formed?

The Election Working Group began regularly meeting in February 2006, and was publicly launched on August 10, 2006. EWG is based on a similar working group formed for the 2001 parliamentary election under the banner of “Election Monitoring Working Group,” which had 24 member organizations.

What are the long term objectives of EWG?

The Election Working Group works toward enhancing the overall democratic process in Bangladesh. Keeping this long term objective in mind, the EWG has three primary objectives, which are:

Who are the members of EWG?

EWG is comprised of 33 civil society organizations with a proven track record in elections and voter and civic education activities. Please click here for a list of EWG organizations and their profiles.

How were the members selected?

The EWG members were selected by The Asia Foundation based on a rigorous application and review process. The selection criteria included:

How is EWG funded?

The EWG is funded by several international development partners with The Asia Foundation acting in a lead technical and coordinating role:

How is neutrality of the EWG members ensured?

All members of the EWG have committed to abide by the EWG Code of Ethics, which includes maintaining strict political neutrality in carrying out all EWG activities. The Code of Ethics also includes a Code of Conduct for the EWG Secretariat and for all field staff, volunteers and monitors engaged by the EWG, to ensure political neutrality in fulfilling their duties. The Code of Ethics is administered by an Ethics Committee comprised of eminent citizens unaffiliated with the EWG. The committee will review all credible allegations of ethical violations raised against an EWG member organization or individual and provide recommendations to the full membership on actions to be taken, including potential expulsion from the EWG, should a material breach of ethics occur.

How does EWG monitor elections?

On Election Day, Election Working Group will deploy approximately 165,000 stationary observers to monitor every polling booth in the country, along with 3,000 mobile monitors who will cover every constituency. In the pre- and post-election period, long term monitoring is carried out through an extensive network of district, thana and union level coordinators. At least two organizations are present in each constituency to ensure neutrality of reporting. EWG members use standardized reporting formats to monitor the political environment before, after, and during Election Day. On Election Day, poll observers will pass information up through the network, enabling the EWG to make a preliminary statement on Election Day and a more detailed statement within two days following the election.

What impact will EWG have on the electoral process?

National studies have shown that the presence of election monitors significantly boosts voters’ confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. In 2001, the presence of poll monitors was credited with helping maintain a relatively peaceful atmosphere on Election Day. Election monitoring thus helps create an environment in which free, fair and non-violent elections can take place, and also enhances public participation in and scrutiny of political affairs and governance standards. In addition, the EWG’s voter and civic education aims to promote the full participation of women, disabled persons, ethnic minorities and youth in the political process; to reduce election-related violence in the months preceding and following the election; and to enhance the accountability of political candidates and representatives to their constituents. Through select electoral reform advocacy, the EWG will contribute to improving the overall electoral process. These activities will enhance the capacity of civil society to participate in improving governance and democracy in Bangladesh, and will promote enhanced relations between the government and civil society.