ISLAMABAD, Feb 2: With general election round the corner, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on Saturday approval of 100 grants worth $2.5 million for civil society organisations to strengthen ‘citizen’s voice’ for free, fair and peaceful polls.

Under its Citizens’ Voice project, USAID has invited applications for its fifth grants cycle from registered organisations across the country.

The value of each grant will be $25,000, according to a press release of USAID.

The objectives of the grants include increasing voter turnout; advocacy against discrimination against voters or barriers for voting; engaging youth voters for a proactive and constructive role in ensuring peaceful elections; and creating awareness about conflict resolution mechanisms relating to polls.

Community-based, non-governmental and private sector organisations and professional and business associations can apply for the grants. The last date for submission of an application is Feb 14.

The project is yet another example of the US government’s commitment to support Pakistani organisations in their efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous country. The project is being implemented by the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability, the press release says.

The project seeks to improve engagement between people and their government in advancing mutually important development objectives.

It aims to strengthen people’s ability to exercise effective policy advocacy and engage in government oversight.

By forging partnerships among civil society organisations, educational and research institutes, media and government, the project promotes inclusive decision-making processes and transparency in public-private dialogue.