The Commonwealth Observer Group has begun monitoring preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election and referendum, underscoring what it described as the organization’s solidarity with the country at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey.
The delegation is led by Nana Akufo-Addo, the former President of Ghana, who said he was honored to have been invited by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to chair the mission.
In a statement issued upon his arrival in Dhaka, Mr. Akufo-Addo noted that the vote comes “at a significant time, following a period of political contestation, public debate on governance and institutional reform, and the continued aspirations of citizens for transparent, inclusive, and credible democratic processes.”
“Democracy remains one of the most important pillars of the Commonwealth, enshrined in its Charter, a fundamental global value rooted in the principle that people have the right to freely express their will and determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems,” he said. “I enjoin all stakeholders to uphold these important values for the benefit and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.”
Since arriving on Feb. 4, the 13-member group has met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders. The observers are scheduled to meet with the Bangladesh Election Commission before election day. On Feb. 10, members will deploy to selected divisions to observe the opening of polls, voting, closing, counting, and the management of results. An interim statement on preliminary findings is expected on Feb. 14. The mission will remain in the country until Feb. 18.
Mr. Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of youth participation, noting that Bangladesh has a predominantly young population, with a large share under the age of 35. “Their engagement in the electoral process is vital to the country’s democratic future and will serve as an inspiration to young people across the Commonwealth who stand in solidarity,” he said.
The observer group includes figures from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, with backgrounds in politics, civil society, election management, diplomacy, and law. As independent monitors, they are tasked with assessing the pre-election environment, polling day procedures, and the post-election period.
