The Commonwealth Observer Group has evaluated Bangladesh's 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum as acceptable, peaceful, orderly, and transparent. The group's Chairperson, Nana Akufo-Addo, presented this assessment at a press conference held in Dhaka on Saturday (14 February).
“It was a sound process. People cast their votes in a peaceful environment. The Election Commission and relevant agencies performed their duties with professionalism,” he stated.
He noted that the election took place within the political context following the July 2024 uprising. This context included the drafting of the July Charter, the referendum, and restrictions on the participation of certain political parties—specifically the ban on the Awami League.
However, he mentioned that the diversity of candidates and a reasonable voter turnout made the election competitive. He added that the new government would be urged to ensure the inclusion of all political forces in the future.
The press conference revealed that in the referendum regarding the July Charter, 61 percent of voters cast 'Yes' votes, while 29 percent voted 'No.' As a result, the Charter will now be considered a legally binding document for the new parliament and government.
While some political parties raised questions regarding the "exclusion of dissenting opinions," the observer group believes the referendum result has strengthened the moral and political foundation for the Charter’s implementation.
Regarding female participation, Nana Akufo-Addo remarked that while the presence of female voters was encouraging, it was disappointing that only 4 percent of candidates were women and only seven women were elected. Recommendations will be made to take special initiatives to increase women’s political participation in the future.
He further noted an increase in the political activism of the youth. However, he emphasized that their institutional participation within party structures and decision-making processes needs further strengthening.
He also stated that no specific allegations of attacks or oppression against minority groups during the election period had reached the group.
Regarding the rise of faith-based politics, he said that in many democratic systems, parties with various ideologies coexist. This should be viewed as a natural pluralistic characteristic of democracy.
Praising the active role of the Bangladeshi media, he expressed concern over allegations of arson and harassment at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
He identified fake news, hate speech, and AI-driven misleading content on social media as major challenges for the future. Recommendations for effective measures in this regard will be included in the report.
The observer group claimed that polling stations opened on time and voting was conducted smoothly in most centers. Ballot secrecy was maintained, and the counting of postal ballots followed the prescribed rules.
However, many polling stations were inaccessible to voters with physical disabilities. A recommendation for rectification will be made.
The observer group has called upon the Election Commission to conduct a comprehensive post-election review. Additionally, all parties have been urged to maintain peace and resolve disputes through legal means.
In conclusion, Nana Akufo-Addo said, “The people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights. What is needed now is the construction of a collective democratic future through magnanimity and unity.”
