VoteGuard International Ltd, an Australian-registered international nonprofit organisation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first year of operations, marked by its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) and third Board Meeting held on 16 June 2026.
The meetings reviewed the organisation’s progress since its establishment and confirmed key
governance, strategic, and program development initiatives that will guide the organisation’s future work.
Since its registration in Australia in July 2025, VoteGuard International has focused on building
strong governance foundations, establishing operational systems, developing policy frameworks, and advancing its international mission of defending the rule of the electorate worldwide.
Two major milestones during the reporting period have been the launch of the organisation’s Global Model Law on Electoral Fraud as Treason and the development of the PETRI (Perceived Election Treason-Risk Index) program, which has now been formally adopted as the organisation’s flagship global research initiative.
PETRI is designed to provide a structured framework for assessing perceived treason-risks
associated with electoral fraud in electoral processes. The assessment methodology and perceived treason-risk criteria have been developed based on the principles and legal framework contained in the Global Model Law on Electoral Fraud as Treason.
PETRI was launched as a pilot project in March 2026, covering 20 executive elections held in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America during 2025. The pilot PETRI report, including index rankings of perceived treason-risks in the covered election processes, is expected to be published by the end of 2026.
At the Board Meeting, the Board formally adopted the PETRI Terms of Reference Version 1.0 and
reaffirmed its commitment to the continued development and implementation of the program. The Board also confirmed Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad as PETRI Program Director.
The organisation also noted the formal launch of its Global Model Law on Electoral Fraud as
Treason on 21 January 2026. The model law forms part of VoteGuard International’s broader
advocacy efforts aimed at promoting stronger legal responses to electoral fraud and unlawful
interference in electoral processes.
Another significant achievement during the reporting period was the approval granted by Australia’s Western Sydney University for VoteGuard International to advertise volunteer and internship opportunities through the university’s employment and career engagement platforms.
The AGM received reports on organisational activities, governance development, volunteer
engagement, financial performance, and international outreach activities. Members also received and adopted the organisation’s financial statements and re-elected retiring directors in accordance with the Constitution.
During the reporting period, VoteGuard International expanded its volunteer network, with more
than twenty volunteers contributing across research, information technology, administration, and program support functions.
The organisation also reported ongoing international engagement efforts, including advisory
appointments, preliminary discussions regarding future country chapters, and continued
development of global governance and research frameworks.
Looking ahead, VoteGuard International will focus on:
- Expanding the PETRI program;
- Strengthening governance and organisational systems;
- Building international partnerships and collaborations;
- Growing research and analytical capacity; and
- Pursuing funding opportunities to support future program implementation.
Chairperson Mr Md Atoar Rahman thanked the Board, volunteers, members, advisors, and
international supporters for their contributions during the organisation’s foundational year.
“VoteGuard International has successfully completed its establishment phase and is now entering a period of structured program development. The PETRI initiative represents an important step in advancing our mission and strengthening our international research and advocacy capacity,” he said.
Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Founder and Executive Director of the Australia-based international
nonprofit organisation, said:
“If a military coup is recognised as an act of treason, why should electoral fraud be treated as an ordinary offence rather than an act of treason deserving the highest legal punishment, since both can determine who forms a government by overriding the people’s authority to elect their government? VoteGuard International believes this issue deserves greater legal, academic, and public consideration worldwide.”
Issued by
Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad
Founder & Executive Director
Great content! Keep up the good work!