Bangladesh polls transparent, competently managed: EU observers
A total of 200 observers had been deployed to monitor polling in 805 centres across the country.
The 12 February national election was the first credible and competently managed vote in Bangladesh since 2008, according to the preliminary findings of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM).
Presenting the mission's initial assessment, chief observer Ivars Ijabs said today (14 February) that the election "set a new benchmark for future polls" in the country.
The EU observers described the election as competitive and pluralistic, noting that the Election Commission demonstrated professionalism and transparency in conducting the vote.
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A total of 200 observers had been deployed to monitor polling in 805 centres across the country.
The mission expressed concern over the low participation of women candidates, calling it a major setback for inclusive politics.
According to its preliminary findings, only around 4% of the candidates were women, making them "almost invisible" in the electoral race.
The observers also acknowledged progress in governance and economic management during the last two years under the interim government.
At the same time, the mission flagged concerns over the online campaign environment.
While describing the overall campaign as dynamic, the team identified instances of misinformation spreading through digital platforms and stressed the need for stronger measures to ensure integrity in online political communication.
