Asian Network for Free Elections terms Bangladesh polls peaceful, credible

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has described Bangladesh’s recent parliamentary elections as peaceful, credible, and a significant milestone.

Speaking at a press conference at The Westin in Dhaka on Sunday morning (February 15), ANFREL Chairperson Rohana Hettiarachchi said the polls reflected strong public interest after 15 years, as evidenced by high voter turnout.

He noted that the introduction of postal voting for the first time marked a positive development.

However, he expressed concern over the low participation of women candidates, which stood at only 4 percent, and observed that some parties fielded no female candidates at all.

In its preliminary report, ANFREL stated that the timely publication of results posed logistical challenges. It also noted that arrangements for elderly and differently abled voters were insufficient.

Hettiarachchi recommended greater transparency in campaign finance disclosures and in the vote-counting process, although he said the overall counting procedures were conducted appropriately.

The organisation also urged the new government to implement electoral reform commitments upon assuming office by July.

During the question-and-answer session, Hettiarachchi added that the Awami League should return to the political process through due legal procedures and democratic engagement.