Who and When Received USAID Funding for “Voter Turnout In India”?
Recent reports indicate that the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) allocated $21 million for a “Voter Turnout in India” project. This information came to light in February 2025 through disclosures made by the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), an organization led by Elon Musk focused on identifying and cutting wasteful government spending.
However, the exact timeline of when this funding was provided and who ultimately received and utilized these funds remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specifics of this project and how the funds were intended to be used.
Recent reports have revealed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) for initiatives aimed at increasing voter turnout in India. This information came to light following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on February 16, 2025, detailing the cancellation of several funding initiatives, including the $21 million designated for India.
The allocation has sparked significant debate in India, with concerns about potential external interference in the country’s electoral processes. Prominent figures, such as Sanjeev Sanyal, an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have questioned the transparency and intent behind this funding. Sanyal expressed his concerns on social media, highlighting the need for clarity on the recipients and purpose of the funds.
In response to these revelations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. BJP leaders emphasized the importance of understanding the allocation’s specifics and ensuring that India’s electoral integrity remains uncompromised.
It’s noteworthy that in 2012, the Election Commission of India (ECI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), a member organization of CEPPS. This MoU aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. However, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi clarified that this agreement did not involve any financial commitments from either party.
The recent disclosure by DOGE has intensified discussions about the role of foreign funding in India’s democratic processes, prompting calls for greater transparency and oversight.
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, recently revealed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had allocated $21 million for “voter turnout in India”. This allocation was part of a larger $486 million grant to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS). The BJP has called for a probe into the matter, alleging external interference in India’s electoral process.
Key points regarding the USAID funding and the related controversy:
DOGE’s Announcement: DOGE announced the cancellation of numerous programs, including the $21 million earmarked for “voter turnout in India”.
Recipients: The funds were reportedly allocated to the NGO Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) for a program aimed at increasing voter turnout in India.
BJP’s Response: The BJP has strongly criticized the funding, with leaders like Amit Malviya calling it “external interference” in India’s elections. They have questioned who benefited from this funding, suggesting it was not the ruling party.
Sanjeev Sanyal’s Remarks: Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council, described USAID as the “biggest scam in human history” and expressed a desire to know who received the funds.
Former CEC’s Denial: Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi refuted claims of US agency funding for raising voter turnout in India during his tenure. He clarified that while there was an MoU with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in 2012 for training purposes, it did not involve any financial commitment.
Controversy over MoU: Amit Malviya highlighted a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Election Commission of India and The International Foundation for Electoral Systems, which is linked to George Soros’ Open Society Foundation and primarily funded by USAID.
USAID Mission Director: BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani pointed out that Veena Reddy, the first Indian-American to hold the post, was appointed as USAID’s mission director in India in July 2021. He insinuated that she and US ambassador Eric Garcetti were involved in executing the agency’s objectives related to voter turnout.
The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) is a joint initiative of three major non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting democracy worldwide:
International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Focuses on strengthening electoral processes and institutions.
International Republican Institute (IRI) – Works to advance democracy, political participation, and governance, often with a center-right perspective.
National Democratic Institute (NDI) – Promotes democratic institutions, civic engagement, and good governance, often with a center-left perspective.
Since its founding in 1995, CEPPS has partnered with governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies to support free and fair elections, political participation, and democratic resilience globally. It has been a key implementing partner of USAID’s democracy, human rights, and governance programs.
The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) has three core member organizations:
International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – Focuses on electoral integrity, election security, and inclusive democratic processes.
International Republican Institute (IRI) – Works on political party development, governance, and civic engagement, often promoting democratic values from a center-right perspective.
National Democratic Institute (NDI) – Supports political institutions, civil society, and citizen participation, often aligned with a center-left democratic perspective.
These three organizations collaborate under CEPPS to strengthen democracy, elections, and governance worldwide.
https://cepps.org/ The CRIPPS Website is Currently Unavailable
