Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election as “acceptable, transparent, peaceful and orderly.”
He commended the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary polls and the July Charter referendum, while highlighting areas where further progress on “inclusion and accessibility” could strengthen the democratic process.
“The people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights to seek the fulfillment of their aspirations. We encourage them to be magnanimous and united in their shared democratic future,” said the former President of Ghana while presenting the Group’s interim statement on Thursday’s national election and referendum at a city hotel.
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, he encouraged the Bangladesh Election Commission to conduct a post-election review, including consideration of all observer recommendations, in line with international good practice.
The final report, detailing the Group’s full findings and recommendations, will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, before being shared with the government of Bangladesh, the Election Commission, political parties, and Commonwealth governments, and then made public.
The Chairperson acknowledged the context in which the elections were held, including significant political developments following the July Uprising of 2024, as well as decisions affecting the participation of some political parties.
While noting isolated reports of post-election tensions, the Group encouraged all stakeholders to promote calm and peaceful conduct during the post-election period and to resolve disputes through appropriate legal channels.
The Observer Group praised vibrant media coverage, noting its important role in informing citizens and encouraging political debate.
At the same time, it raised concerns about online misinformation, cyber harassment, and hate speech, which continue to affect public discourse.
The participation of women and youth emerged as areas requiring greater attention. Women accounted for only 4 percent of candidates, with seven elected, while youth activism did not always translate into formal influence within political party structures, he said.
According to the statement, despite isolated pre- and post-election tensions, polling officials, security personnel, and election agents generally carried out their duties with professionalism.
The Group also noted that officials assisted elderly voters and persons with disabilities. However, many polling stations remained inaccessible, particularly those located on upper floors, and lacked provisions for other forms of disability.
On the referendum, the Group said it recognizes the Charter as a response to multiple urgent demands for reform. “At the same time, some stakeholders expressed concerns as to whether the referendum process was sufficiently consultative and clearly communicated.”
The Commonwealth Observer Group is an independent body that makes recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. It was constituted by the Secretary-General and comprised 12 experts drawn from the fields of politics, law, media, gender, and election administration from several Commonwealth regions.
Bangladesh was admitted as the Commonwealth’s 34th member on April 18, 1972, following its independence in December 1971.
This marks the fourth deployment of a Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh.
