A total of 394 foreign observers and 197 international journalists have arrived in Dhaka on the eve of the 13th parliamentary elections and the July referendum on the National Charter. The international presence surrounding the elections and referendum, which will be held on Thursday (February 12), is significantly higher than in recent elections.
The Chief Advisor’s press wing said that 80 of the observers are representatives of various international organizations. 240 are from bilateral countries, including the European Union, and 51 individuals affiliated with global organizations will observe on their own initiative.
According to the Press Wing, the number of international observers this time is more than double compared to the 12th National Parliament elections on January 7, 2024. The number of observers in the 11th, 12th, and 10th National Parliament elections was 158, 125, and only 4, respectively.
Organizations sending observers include the Asian Network for Free Elections (28), the Commonwealth Secretariat (27), the International Republican Institute (19), and the National Democratic Institute (1). Representatives from the OIC, ICAPP, and the European External Action Service are also present.
Outside Europe, observers came from at least 21 countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, China, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Nigeria.
High-level observers include former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Bhutan’s Chief Electoral Commissioner Deki Pema, and Lord Richard Newby, former Deputy Chief Whip of the UK House of Lords.
More than 2,000 candidates, including more than 50 political parties and independent candidates, are contesting this election. A referendum on the July National Charter will be held alongside the parliamentary elections on the same day.