2026 polls first credible election since 2008: EU Election Mission

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has described Bangladesh’s 13th national parliamentary election as the country’s most credible election since 2008, saying it marked a significant step toward restoring public confidence in the Election Commission.

Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka during the release of the mission’s final report, Chief Observer and European Parliament member Ivars Ijabs said the election demonstrated notable progress in transparency and governance on Tuesday (April 28).

“This is the most credible election held in Bangladesh since 2008,” he said. “Public trust in the Election Commission is returning, and the process has created a pathway for stronger democratic governance.”

The EU mission also presented 19 recommendations aimed at improving transparency and credibility in future elections, with six identified as priority reforms in line with Bangladesh’s international democratic commitments.

Ijabs praised the overall security arrangements during the election period, noting that there were no major allegations of opacity regarding either preliminary or final results.

He said candidates were generally able to campaign transparently, while political dialogue remained possible throughout the process. According to the mission, complaints and emerging crises during the election were addressed quickly and credibly.

However, the EU observers stressed that Bangladesh still needs to strengthen financial transparency related to elections to meet higher international standards in future polls.