The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has described
Bangladesh’s 2026 parliamentary elections and accompanying
referendum as a “democratic milestone,” while urging
further reforms to consolidate democratic progress.
In
its final report, the Group highlighted the large-scale
introduction of postal voting for diaspora voters and
individuals in lawful custody, an initiative commended as an
important step towards strengthening the inclusiveness of
the electoral process.
The Group, led by H.E. Nana
Akufo-Addo, former President of the Republic of Ghana,
comprised 12 other eminent persons from across Asia, Africa,
the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific.
Observers were
in Bangladesh from 4-18 February to assess the pre-election,
election-day and post-election processes, and engaged with a
wide range of stakeholders to gather comprehensive and
evidence-based information on the conduct of the 8 February
electoral process.
While acknowledging earlier
concerns about the independence and capacity of the
Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), partly stemming from
controversies surrounding the January 2024 elections and the
barring of political parties, the Group assessed that the
voting, counting, and results management processes were
conducted professionally.
According to the final
report, the referendum on the July Charter, which passed
with 61.64 per cent support, was also conducted peacefully,
although it noted that public awareness of the
referendum’s substance was limited.
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The elections
highlighted important issues related to inclusion. Despite
women making up about half the population and having
reserved seats, they were only around four per cent of
candidates, with just seven directly elected. Youth
participation was also low, even though voters under 35 made
up roughly 44 per cent of the electorate.
The Group
further noted that while the media environment during the
campaign was more open than in previous election cycles,
legal restrictions and security concerns continue to affect
press freedom.
Among numerous other recommendations
directed at relevant stakeholders, the Group further
recommended strengthening the institutional independence and
operational capacity of the BEC to enhance public confidence
in electoral administration and strengthening institutions
to secure the rule of law.
Releasing the final report,
Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey
said:
“The 2026 elections and referendum in
Bangladesh demonstrate citizens’ commitment to exercising
their democratic rights, and we welcome the peaceful manner
in which they were conducted.
“The recommendations
in this report are offered with the objective of further
strengthening democratic institutions and electoral
processes as Bangladesh creates the conditions for an
inclusive and united country responsive to the aspirations
of all its people. In this regard, we encourage the
authorities to engage all stakeholders in the development of
inclusive, just and trusted mechanisms to address the issues
identified. As always, the Commonwealth stands ready to
support these efforts.”
The Commonwealth Observer
Group’s report has been shared with the Bangladesh
government, BEC, political parties, and other relevant
stakeholders.
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