Foreign observer bodies have not yet sent any official applications to the Election Commission to monitor the 12th national elections.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Election Commission insiders confirmed to Dhaka Tribune that no foreign observer organization has applied to monitor the upcoming elections yet, but they declined to comment on the reasons behind the lack of applications.
Experts, however, said whether or not foreign observers come to monitor the election will depend on whether the polls are fair and participatory.
Furthermore, some nationals and foreign nationals have raised questions about the credibility of the Election Monitoring Forum and the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, which monitored the election in 2018.
Former Election Commissioner Brig General M Sakhawat Hossain said there is no indication that all political parties will participate in the upcoming elections, as all political parties are firm in their respective positions.
He thinks that foreign observers may be waiting before filing applications.
When asked about foreign observer applications, a top government official, wishing anonymity, said: "When elections are held in neighbouring countries, including India, there is hardly any talk about foreign observers."
The official further asked: “When elections are held in various countries in Europe, does anyone go to observe the elections in this way? They don't feel the need to invite our country either.”
The official believes that the upcoming elections will be free, fair, and impartial, and there will be massive participation of the people in the elections.
Regarding the foreign observer issue, EC Secretary Jahangir Alam told Dhaka Tribune on Sunday: "The application deadline for foreign observers is November 21. We can reveal whether someone has applied or not after the deadline."
On August 23, the commission issued a notice and called for applications from international observers and media, with a deadline of November 21, to monitor the 12th parliamentary elections.
Later, EC Secretary Jahangir Alam said the commission is committed to holding free, fair, and peaceful elections and ensuring transparency in the electoral procedures.
“The commission always wants and welcomes foreign observers and international media to observe the upcoming elections,” added the EC secretary.
As part of the commission's initiative, on November 1 the Foreign Ministry sent out letters to the foreign missions and embassies, mentioning that international observers and foreign media persons are being invited on behalf of the commission.
On November 3, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal spoke about the Commonwealth pre-election observation team that will be in Dhaka from November 19-23.
According to international election observers and foreign media guidelines, international observers should have work experience in good governance, elections, democracy, peace-building, and human rights.
The guidelines say that organizations applying as observers must submit evidence of registration with the relevant authorities in their home countries.
International election observers must submit election observation reports within 30 days of polling day. Email or printed copies can be submitted to the Election Commission Secretariat.
As per policy, the reports should be based on pre-election, election, and post-election data. International observers must also ensure that their observations are impartial, objective, and of the highest quality.