Gaining public trust, confidence are main aspects of election: EU election observers

Highlighting the importance of public trust in the electoral process, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs today (11 January) said gaining the confidence of the citizens is the main challenge in any election.

"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," he told reporters at during a media briefing at a hotel of the capital.

Responding to a question, he said, "Regarding the single most important aspect, I would say that, as in many countries — including my own and other European countries — the central issue is to gain the trust and confidence of the citizens. In my view, this is truly the most important focus that the entire electoral process should be devoted to."

Ijabs emphasised that the EU EOM aims to support transparent and participatory elections, ensuring that citizens' trust is reinforced in this historic electoral process in Bangladesh.

Two days after the national election on 14 February, the EU EOM is supposed to issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka regarding the election.

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

In reply to a query, he said, "Regarding inclusivity, as raised in one of the questions, it essentially means everything. It refers both to the capacity of citizens to cast their votes and have them counted fairly and accurately, as well as their overall participation in the process. We are aware that party registration remains an issue and that historically this has been a very complex matter in Bangladesh, particularly in relation to national reconciliation and transitional justice"

He said they will not comment on these historical issues directly, but they will pay attention to them as long as they have an impact on the election, voter turnout, or related aspects.

All EU EOM observers strictly follow 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, he said.

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 the country.

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," he said.

During his first visit to the country, he met 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.

Besides, it will also assess the overall space for political and civic participation, including for women, youths and other vulnerable groups.

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.