Police Capacity Development on Election Security through the UNDP Election Support Program

Project completed

On 11th May 2013, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will, for the first time in history, administer a transition from one full term democratic elected government to another. The probability of electoral violence threatens this opportunity. The police are the most important player in smooth conduct of election security. Yet, the majority of the police force has limited knowledge of electoral security protocol. With a contribution to the UNDP Election Support Program the capacity of police in election security will be enhanced.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Pakistan
Governance
Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights
Elections
01.04.2013 - 30.09.2013
CHF  981’000
Background

The 2008 elections in Pakistan were marred by an unprecedented wave of violence. On the election-day, voters, polling staff, election observers and polling agents were subjected to violence. Many polling stations were hijacked by armed offenders and women’s polling booths were forcibly closed in two-thirds of constituencies. The police played a limited role with respect to curtailing electoral violence. They either remained passive bystanders or actively promoted violence.

Objectives

The Pakistani population is able to participate in peaceful, free and fair elections.

Target groups

The police, the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani population. 18’000 police staff will be trained and up to 100’000 police officers sensitized with guidelines & information resulting in each polling stations being equipped with at least one qualified police staff on election security.

Medium-term outcomes

Police Officers have increased capacity to execute election security plan and mitigate electoral day violence.

Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • )


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    981’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    980’115
Project phases

Phase 1 01.04.2013 - 30.09.2013   (Completed)