The Election Commission of Bangladesh anticipates the participation of around 300 foreign observers and journalists from various countries in the upcoming 12th national polls scheduled for January 7. Currently, 156 observers and 71 journalists have applied to observe the parliamentary elections. The Commission has also extended invitations to 114 individuals from organizations in 34 countries, with the Election Commission covering accommodations for these observers.
Additionally, 23,380 individuals from different agencies in Bangladesh have registered to observe the elections, with approximately 2,000 appointed centrally and 21,380 selected locally. Nine countries, including India, China, Russia, and others, have confirmed sending observers, and organizations like the OIC, Commonwealth, and Arab Parliament will also be represented.
The US National Democratic Institute and a team of European Union technical experts express interest in monitoring the polls. Some other countries including Thailand, Nepal, and the US, have submitted observer applications. The Election Commission has invited officials from various foreign Election Commissions and international organizations. Japanese observers and embassy officials will be present, with Japan sending three observers and 13 embassy officials to monitor the election.
EC’s Commitment to Ensure Free and Fair Election
The Election Commission, in its pursuit of ensuring free and fair elections, has devised a comprehensive Code of Conduct under Article 92B of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The salient features of the Code include a ban on financial contributions to institutions, equitable use of government accommodations, and equal rights for all parties during the election campaign. Various prohibitions cover hindrances to public movement, the use of government resources, interference with election processes, and the crossing of election expense limits.
Prevention of Pre-Poll Irregularities:
To address violations, an Electoral Enquiry Committee, empowered by Article 91A, can be approached for redress. The Committee, comprising judicial officers, investigates matters related to pre-poll irregularities, ensuring a fair and impartial assessment.
Functions of the Electoral Enquiry Committee:
The Committee, acting on complaints or its initiative, investigates acts constituting intimidation, obstruction, coercion, or dissemination of false information that may hinder free and fair elections.
Election Petitions:
Article 49 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, stipulates 45 days for presenting election petitions to the Election Commission after the official gazette publication of the returned candidate’s name. The Election Commission then arranges for submission to the relevant Election Tribunals, headed by District and Sessions Judges at district and divisional headquarters. These tribunals exclusively handle election petitions, expediting their resolution.
The Bangladesh Election Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of elections through various functions and responsibilities:
- The EC maintains an accurate and up-to-date voter list through regular registration drives.
- It ensures that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll.
- The commission reviews and adjusts constituency boundaries to reflect demographic changes.
- It ensures each constituency represents a fair and equal number of voters.
- The EC plans and administers the entire election process.
- The commission announces election schedules, oversees candidate nominations, conducts elections, and counts votes.
- Works to create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
- Monitors election campaigns to prevent unfair practices and takes action against violations of the electoral code of conduct.
- Registers political parties and monitors their compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Ensures that political parties adhere to democratic principles.
- Invites local and international observers to monitor the electoral process.
- Enhances transparency and credibility by allowing independent assessment of the election proceedings.
The Election Commission’s functions are aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral system, safeguarding democratic principles, and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a transparent, fair, and inclusive manner.
The election process in Bangladesh involves several key stages:
Announcement of Election Schedule:
The Bangladesh EC announces the schedule for elections, including dates for voter registration, nomination submission, and polling.
Nomination of Candidates:
Political parties and independent candidates submit their nominations within the specified timeframe.
Campaigning Period:
Parties and candidates campaign across the country, presenting their manifestos and seeking support from the electorate.
Voting Day:
On the designated day, voters cast their ballots at polling stations, and the EC ensures the security and integrity of the voting process.
Vote Counting: After the voting concludes, the EC oversees the counting of votes and announces the election results.
The Timeline of Bangladesh’s Upcoming 12th Parliamentary Election under EC
As Bangladesh prepares for its 12th parliamentary election, the political landscape is charged with anticipation, challenges, and a quest for consensus. The timeline leading up to the election on January 7, 2023, reflects a series of crucial events that will shape the nation’s political future. The election commission, acting under Article 123(3)(a) of the Constitution, finalized the schedule after a meeting at Nirbachan Bhaban.
| November 15, 2022: Election Schedule Announcement Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal disclosed the date for Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election in a televised address, setting the stage for a pivotal political event. The announcement unfolded amid a tumultuous political environment marked by protests, shutdowns, and calls for a poll-time government. The total number of eligible voters for the upcoming election stands at 119,691,633. |
| December 17, 2022: Candidate Withdrawal Deadline Candidates had until December 17 to withdraw their nominations, a strategic maneuver that could impact the election dynamics. This deadline allowed for adjustments and realignments within political parties as they assessed their electoral prospects. |
| November 30, 2022: Nomination Submission Deadline Political parties and potential candidates faced a critical deadline on November 30 to submit their nominations for parliamentary seats. This marked a significant juncture as contenders officially joined the electoral race, shaping a diverse field of candidates. A total of 2,716 candidates submitted their nomination forms for the 300 available seats in the upcoming election. |
| December 1-4, 2022: Nomination Scrutiny Period The Election Commission initiated the scrutiny of submitted nominations during this period, ensuring candidates adhered to the eligibility criteria outlined in electoral rules. This phase played a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. |
| December 18, 2022: Symbol Distribution Symbol distribution, slated for December 18, introduces a visual dimension to the electoral process. The symbols assigned to each candidate carry significance, becoming a crucial element in the communication strategy of political campaigns. |
Political Turmoil and Consensus Struggles
The election schedule announcement unfolded amidst political unrest, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and affiliated parties resorting to shutdowns and blockades. Tensions heightened as political factions grappled with forming a consensus on a poll-time government, adding complexity to the electoral landscape.
January 7, 2023: Voting Day
The apex of the electoral process will occur on January 7, 2023, when millions of Bangladeshi citizens will cast their votes. The outcome will determine the composition of the parliament, influencing the country’s policies and governance.
Post-Election Dynamics
Following the election, the political landscape is poised for diverse reactions based on the results. Parties may engage in dialogue, and the formation of the new government will be a critical juncture in shaping the country’s future trajectory.
The Bangladesh Election Commission’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring transparent and fair elections is vital for the continued development and stability of Bangladesh. By executing its responsibilities with integrity and impartiality, the EC contributes to the democratic process and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
