EU calls for inclusive, participatory election in Bangladesh

The European Union has said it expects an inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh conducted through a peaceful, credible and transparent process.

EU election observation mission chief Evers Izabs made the remarks at a press conference in a Dhaka hotel on Sunday, January 11.

He said a transparent and participatory national election would strengthen voters’ confidence in the democratic process and could become a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Explaining what the EU means by an inclusive election, Izabs said it refers to ensuring the participation of all social groups, including women, ethnic minorities, religious minorities and regional communities. A participatory election, he said, means voters taking part in a credible and meaningful way.

Responding to a question on whether inclusivity means participation by all political parties, Izabs said issues such as party registration, national-level disputes and transitional justice are historically complex in Bangladesh and the EU is not commenting on them. However, the mission will observe how these issues affect voter turnout and the overall electoral environment.

On law and order, he said the EU observers were closely monitoring the situation, stressing the need to balance effective law enforcement with the protection of freedom of expression and assembly.

Asked about the risks of holding the parliamentary election and a referendum on the same day, Izabs said that while it is not common, it does happen in some cases. Although the EU’s main mandate is to observe the parliamentary election, it will also look at whether voters are properly informed about the referendum.

On whether a level playing field is being ensured, he said the mission would observe candidates’ access to the media, the nomination and appeals process and whether all contenders are receiving equal treatment.

The EU said it would release a preliminary report on February 14, two days after the vote, and a final report about two months later with recommendations for future elections.

The EU election observation mission, which officially began work to monitor Bangladesh’s 13th general election, includes around 200 observers from the EU’s 27 member states as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. The mission said it would operate based on the principles of independence, neutrality and non-interference.