LocationsCOMELEC, UNDP strengthen partnership for electoral inclusion and digitalization
September 25, 2024
In photo: (l-r) Gianne Karla Gaoiran, UNDP Philippines Digitalization and Data Analytics Specialist; Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative; H.E. Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya; COMELEC Chairperson Atty. George Erwin Garcia; Japanese Embassy First Secretary Ishizaka Asuka; COMELEC Commissioner Nelson Celis
UNDP Philippines
Metro Manila — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson Atty. George Erwin Garcia and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the partnership for electoral inclusion and digitalization.
Through this MoU, the UNDP will support the COMELEC as it further strengthens its digitalization capacity to ensure that it can develop data-driven and online solutions that can help promote inclusive political participation, including gender equality, in political processes.
In his keynote message, COMELEC Chairperson Atty. Garcia highlighted that the: “digitalization initiative that will be undertaken for purposes of the conduct of the election in the Bangsamoro is a giant step to ensure greater and equal opportunity for all, and equal opportunity, likewise, on the part of women when it comes to participation in political exercises in our country.”
In 2023, UNDP Philippines also supported the strengthening of the digitalization capacity of the COMELEC to promote women’s political participation in the Philippines.
“I would like to express our gratitude to COMELEC for continuously trusting UNDP to support its efforts to advance voters’ education, ensure inclusion in the democratic process, and support digitalization initiatives in preparation for the first regular elections of the Bangsamoro Parliament in May 2025,” noted Dr. Ramachandran of UNDP Philippines during the signing ceremony.
The MoU signing was witnessed by His Excellency Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, as the COMELEC-UNDP Philippines partnership will also cover an initiative that’s being supported through funding assistance from the Government of Japan.
To support the COMELEC in preparation for the first regular elections for the Bangsamoro Parliament in May 2025, a grant of two hundred and thirty-four million Japanese Yen (¥234,000,000) has been committed by the Government of Japan for the initiative.
The Government of Japan has been a steadfast supporter of the Philippines for the attainment of sustainable development and lasting peace in Mindanao, and a committed development partner of UNDP Philippines.
In his message of support, Ambassador Kazuya highlighted that the Government of Japan’s fully support in the efforts of COMELEC and UNDP Philippines to deliver accurate information, encourage voters’ active participation, and build trust in the electoral process through effective communication and transparency.
Ambassador Kazuya noted that he is: “appreciative of, and confident, that the efforts of UNDP and COMELEC to bring about greater voter education based on the context of BARMM and to digitalize key election management processes that will advance the project's goal of an increased participation of informed citizens - particularly women and vulnerable groups in last-mile areas - and digitalization for electoral reform and inclusive political participation with the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliament election in the horizon. I'm hopeful that this project will be a catalyst for significant progress of the peace process in the region.”
Electoral inclusion will be pivotal in the 2025 BARMM elections—especially the engagement of women, indigenous peoples, youth, and other vulnerable populations.
To help augment capacities, UNDP Philippines, in close partnership with COMELEC, will target to enhance democratic participation and inclusion by improving voter education, particularly for those at risk of disenfranchisement and residing in last mile areas. Through the partnership, data analytics will be utilized to help COMELEC craft interventions specific to the needs of various localities and vulnerable populations. The digitalization of key COMELEC processes will also be undertaken to ensure swift and reliable data flow and processing, and to improve public access to relevant election information nationwide. [E]
For questions:
Charlene Erica Balaan
Country Office Communications Analyst
UNDP Philippines
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