International election observer David Dreier, former US Congressman and head of International Republican Institute (IRI) mission, on Thursday lauded the enthusiasm and orderly conduct of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament Election, highlighting strong participation among first-time voters.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune after visiting polling stations at Manarat International School and College in Gulshan, Dreier said he witnessed an orderly voting environment and a vibrant sense of public engagement.
“Today is a very exciting day in the history of this wonderful country,” Dreier said. “This is my first visit to Bangladesh, and I can see the excitement, happiness, and festive feeling among so many Bangladeshis.”
Accompanied by his colleagues, Dreier toured several polling centers and found the voting process to be well-organized and efficiently managed. “Inshallah, that will continue throughout the rest of the day,” he said. “It’s exciting to see the people of Bangladesh feeling that they are playing a role in determining the future of their country.”
Introducing himself, Dreier noted that he hails from Los Angeles, California, and served in the US Congress for decades before retiring more than 10 years ago. Since then, he has led election observation missions worldwide with the IRI, an organization founded in the early 1980s to promote democratic institutions, the rule of law, political pluralism, and self-determination.
“Self-determination is what today is all about,” Dreier said, commending the people of Bangladesh for their engagement in the voting process. “The people of Bangladesh are doing that and doing it extremely well.”
Dreier spoke with numerous first-time voters; many of whom said they had previously refrained from voting because they felt their ballots would not make a difference. “This time they feel as if their vote will count and that they can make a difference,” he noted.
Regarding the fairness of the polling process, Dreier expressed a generally positive impression. “It appears that it’s being done in a very orderly way from every place I’ve seen,” he said, while noting that this was his first time observing elections in Bangladesh.
On allegations of vote buying or other irregularities, Dreier said he had not witnessed any such incidents. “I’ve not seen evidence of vote buying, and I haven’t had anybody raise complaints with me,” he added.
Acknowledging long queues at some polling stations, particularly later in the day, Dreier described them as a sign of voter enthusiasm rather than mismanagement. “In the morning, there were fewer women at the centers, as many were attending to family responsibilities. But in the afternoon, I saw long lines of women eager to cast their votes,” he said.
He also highlighted efforts to ensure inclusivity, noting assistance provided to persons with disabilities. “I saw a man in a wheelchair who was helped so he could vote. It was encouraging to see that effort,” Dreier said.
Observers from different political parties were present at polling stations and appeared to be working harmoniously. “Everyone seems to be working hard to ensure the election continues to be free and fair,” he said, expressing hope for a positive outcome for Bangladesh.