EU to deploy 200 observers for upcoming national election
EU will observe the polls from a neutral and non-partisan position, focusing on whether the process is free, fair, and credible.
The European Union will deploy at least 200 observers to monitor Bangladesh's parliamentary election scheduled for 12 February, said Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM).
Ijabs made the remarks after meeting Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka today (8 January).
Speaking to journalists afterwards, he said the EU would observe the polls from a neutral and non-partisan position, focusing on whether the process is free, fair, and credible. He noted that Bangladesh is an important partner for the EU, which is why the bloc is closely following the electoral process.
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He said the EU EOM has only just begun its work and will remain engaged throughout the entire electoral cycle, with a comprehensive final report to be published after the polls.
Describing Bangladesh as a diverse and pluralistic society, Ijabs said the mission's observation would extend beyond Dhaka to other parts of the country. He added that the mission is still assessing the pre-election environment and that procedural issues – such as voter registration, the conduct of voting, and overall credibility – would be a key focus.
Referring to his meeting with the Election Commission, Ijabs said the CEC briefed the mission on the election process and the challenges involved, including holding parliamentary elections alongside a referendum.
He described the upcoming polls as historically significant in light of recent political developments and the current interim government, noting that the election will determine the future course of the country. On the scale of the mission, Ijabs said a core team is already operating in Bangladesh and that the mission will be expanded significantly on election day, with 200 observers, including members of the European Parliament.
He added that the EU Election Observation Mission will hold its official opening press conference on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotel in Dhaka and expressed his commitment to observing the election in cooperation with Bangladeshi authorities.
