The EC’s outreach extends globally, as it actively invites and encourages the participation of foreign and local observers
The 12th National Elections of Bangladesh will be held on January 7, 2024. According to the constitution, the next election should be held 90 days before the completion of 5 years since the government assumed power. As a result, the Election Commission announced the election date on November 15, 2023. In the meantime, the electoral process is in full swing. As a part of this process, foreigners are coming to Bangladesh to observe the election.
Japan has also expressed interest in observing the forthcoming general elections scheduled for January 7, 2024. The foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Seheli Sabrin, mentioned that Japan intends to dispatch a 16-member team and has communicated its interest to the Election Commission. The foreign ministry is actively coordinating election observation missions in collaboration with the Election Commission. Additionally, India, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab Parliament, and Palestine have confirmed their participation in observation missions, and the European Union (EU) will send an expert team as well.
Global Observers Update
On December 7, 2023, the Election Commission Secretary Jahangir Alam revealed that they had received a total of 179 applications, with 131 intended for observers and 48 for journalists, to oversee the national elections.
The deadline for foreign observers to submit their applications closed on December 7, and the Election Commission is set to approve them by December 16. During this period, India, Japan, Palestine, OIC, and the Arab League expressed their intent to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. Delegations from India, Japan, and Palestine will consist of 3, 16, and 6 members, respectively. However, the United States has yet to confirm its participation. Additionally, there will be representatives from the embassy representing Palestine. While the OIC and the Arab League plan to send observers, there is currently no information available regarding their numbers. The Election Commission will inform concerned parties once other applications are confirmed. The EU expert mission is expected to remain in Bangladesh until January 21.
Local Observers Update
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the Election Commission approved for an additional 29 local observers to oversee the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election. This brings the total number of registered local observers to 96 with a registration duration of five years. In the initial phase, the Election Commission had registered 67 monitoring organizations, and the deadline for local observer organizations to apply was November 25. Since 2008, the Election Commission has been providing registration for election monitoring, with 138 organizations receiving registration initially. The most recent registration occurred in 2018 when 118 organizations were registered, and their five-year tenure concluded on July 11.
Local and Foreign Observer Statistics in Previous Elections
Local and Foreign Observation Statistics over the years are discussed below;
The EC’s Commitment
The EC’s commitment to fostering a free and fair election is exemplified by a series of proactive measures. Notably, stringent security protocols have been implemented nationwide to safeguard voters. Instances of candidates violating the electoral code of conduct, including prominent members of the ruling party, have been met with show-cause notices, underscoring the EC’s dedication to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process.
To facilitate the election, the EC will promptly issue a public notification and appoint returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs). Empowered by legal authority under electoral laws, the ROs, supported by AROs, will carry out necessary tasks to ensure a fair election. Additionally, the EC intends to send a demi-official letter to the cabinet division, seeking assistance and requesting that field-level government officers remain in their positions until the election results are published.
Moreover, the EC’s outreach extends globally, as it actively invites and encourages the participation of foreign and local observers. This proactive engagement affirms the EC’s dedication to ensuring that the 12th national election stands as a testament to inclusivity, fairness, and transparency.
Conclusion
The upcoming 12th National Member Election in Bangladesh has garnered significant international interest, with Japan, India, Palestine, OIC, and the Arab League participating in observation missions. The Election Commission’s commitment to a fair process is evident through stringent security measures and addressing violations. As global and local observers play a crucial role, the EC’s proactive engagement underscores its dedication to ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
