Bangladesh polls: What EU chief observer means by ‘inclusive, participatory’

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs today  (11 January) explained what exactly they mean by 'inclusive and participatory', stressing the inclusion of all social groups in the elections.

"And as for the inclusive participatory, this is an important issue. I think the inclusive means, from our perspective first of all, the inclusion of all social groups of Bangladesh citizens - groups like women, groups like ethnic, religious, minorities, and also the regional groups to participate," he said.

During a crowded media briefing, a journalist drew attention to the sudden shift in the meaning of the terms inclusive and participatory.

In response, Chief Observer Ijabs said participation was precisely what they were seeking - a credible voter turnout in the elections.

He also said such participation would signal that Bangladeshi citizens are actively engaging in the democratic process to decide their own future.

Regarding inclusivity, the Chief Observer also said it encompasses everything, including both the capacity of citizens to participate and the assurance that they are counted in a fair and transparent manner.

"We all know that the party registration is an issue and we all know that this has also historically been a very complicated issue here regarding the issues of national reconciliation and transitional justice. We are not going to comment on these issues.  But of course, we are going to pay attention to it as long as it makes an impact on the election and on the turnout," he said.

The national election, scheduled for 12 February, will take place without any participation of Bangladesh Awami as its activities and party registration remain suspended.

As for the intimidation of minority groups, he said this is, of course, an important issue. "We are going to send our observers to all 64 districts of the country and they will be asked to pay special attention to such a possibility."

Asked about the pre or post-election violence, the Chief Observer said this has been, of course, an issue when talking with his local interlocutors.

"This is, well, a problem in many ways, but I still hope and I still expect the Bangladeshis (will address this issue) ......elections are understanding the seriousness of this issue, because, as it was said, one life lost is one too many," he said, emphasising the absolute value of every individual human life.

Regarding the initial assessment, he said they (local interlocutors) are really devoted to having a credible election, without any violence.

The Chief Observer said they have a special social media monitoring unit.

In response to an invitation by the authorities of Bangladesh, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February.

The EU EOM, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia, commenced its activities in late December 2025 and is scaling up with the arrival of 56 long-term observers, who will be deployed to all 64 administrative districts of Bangladesh.

This is the first fully-fledged election observation the EU is deploying to Bangladesh since 2008.

"This Election Observation mission reaffirms the importance the European Union attaches to the partnership with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect and shared commitment to democratic principles." said Chief Observer Ijabs, who during his first visit to the country met with a wide range of electoral stakeholders to receive first-hand information on the unfolding electoral process.

In the course of its work the Mission will engage with election administration, political parties, judiciary, civil society and media, to observe and analyse various aspects of the process such as election preparations, the legal framework and its implementation, the conduct of campaign and electoral dispute resolution.

The Mission will also assess the overall space for political and civic participation, including for women, youth and other vulnerable groups.

The EU EOM has dedicated media and social media monitoring units, to weigh the degree to which those channels helped voters to make a well-informed choice.

Overall, the EU EOM will assess the extent to which elections are conducted in compliance with national law, as well as with the regional and international standards for democratic elections Bangladesh has adopted.

"Our technical assessment of these elections is guided by three core principles: independence, impartiality and non-interference. We will employ a robust, well-established methodology of long-term, nation-wide observation. We will observe the process but will not certify the results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh," said Chief Observer.

At full strength the mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

This includes a core team of 11 analysts based in Dhaka, 56 long-term observers, 90 short-term observers, who will be deployed shortly before the polls, and observers from the diplomatic missions of EU Member States and partner countries.

A delegation from the European Parliament will further reinforce the mission.

"These historic elections will be crucial to bolster democratic institutions through the ballot box. Hence it will be important that the polls are conducted peacefully and in a credible and transparent manner. My hope is that our work here will also contribute to public confidence and trust in the electoral process," stressed the Chief Observer.

Two days after the elections, 14 February, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka.

A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be published and presented to the authorities some two months later.

All EU EOM observers are bound by a strict code of conduct, and the mission carries out its works in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

European diplomats stationed in Dhaka, including EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, were present at the media briefing.