Media Release
BOB McMULLAN MP
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FRASER
AA 08 75
19 December 2008
Australia to Support Bangladesh’s Election
I am pleased to announce the Australian government will be sending three election
observers to help monitor Bangladesh’s 29 December national elections. We will also
provide approximately $1 million to support the Asia Foundation’s election program in
Bangladesh.
Australia’s $1 million contribution to the Asia Foundation will help support the
deployment of 165,000 domestic election monitors, as well as voter education and
electoral reform initiatives.
These elections will be vital to restoring democracy in Bangladesh. National elections,
previously scheduled for 22 January 2007, were postponed following the declaration of a
State of Emergency on 11 January 2007.
An Australian delegation will join domestic observers and other observers from overseas
to help ensure the fairness of the election process. Federal Member of Parliament, the
Hon Dr Sharman Stone, will monitor the elections as part of the Commonwealth election
observer mission. Ms Marie Nelson and Ms Marie Neilson, both Australian Electoral
Commission officers, will participate in the Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership observer
mission.
In addition, I will be monitoring the elections a part of a delegation from the National
Democratic Institute, an independent non-profit organisation working to strengthen and
expand democracy worldwide.
The upcoming elections are crucial to Bangladesh’s return to a democratic environment.
I call on all parties to work together to ensure they are held freely, fairly and peacefully.
I also urge all political parties to respect the results of the elections as reflecting the
wishes of the people of Bangladesh.
Australia has longstanding, constructive relations with Bangladesh built on our trade,
people-to-people and sporting links, as well as our development cooperation. This year,
Australia will provide development assistance in the areas of governance, education,
maternal and child health and assistance to the ultra poor.
Media contacts:
Tony Hodges (Mr McMullan’s Office) 0408 690 861
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
NEWS 
