Commonwealth Observers Express Satisfaction with Election Start, Emphasize Youth Engagement
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Nana Akufo-Addo, has voiced his contentment with the smooth commencement of the voting process at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. Speaking to reporters after observing the opening of the polls, the former President of Ghana conveyed optimism that this positive trend would persist throughout the electoral day. “So far so good,” he remarked, underscoring the peaceful and orderly start to the casting of ballots.
Akufo-Addo highlighted the broader significance of the election, stating that its successful execution would send a powerful message to the global community, particularly to South Asia and Southeast Asia. He emphasized that it would demonstrate Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to charting a democratic future, a development that he believes would be welcomed by democrats worldwide.
The Commonwealth Observer Group itself is a distinguished body, comprising the Chairperson and twelve other eminent individuals. These members hail from diverse regions including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. Their collective expertise spans a wide array of professional fields, encompassing politics, civil society advocacy, election management, diplomacy, and law, ensuring a comprehensive and multifaceted observation.
The Group is scheduled to release its interim statement, outlining its preliminary findings, on February 14.
A key focus for the Commonwealth Observer Group has been the crucial role of youth participation in the electoral process. Nana Akufo-Addo specifically pointed out that Bangladesh boasts a predominantly youthful population, with a substantial segment of its citizens falling under the age of 35. He stressed the vital importance of their engagement for the nation’s democratic future.
“Their engagement in the electoral process is vital to the country’s democratic future and will serve as an inspiration to young people across the Commonwealth who stand in solidarity,” he stated on Sunday. This sentiment underscores the interconnectedness of democratic aspirations and the empowerment of young citizens on a global scale.
The Commonwealth Observer Group’s mission in Bangladesh began with the observation of pre-poll arrangements and preparations for the national election and referendum. Their presence reaffirms the Commonwealth’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this pivotal juncture in their democratic journey.
The Group arrived in Bangladesh on February 4 and is expected to conclude its observation mission on February 18. During their tenure, the independent observers are tasked with a comprehensive assessment of the electoral landscape, covering the pre-election environment, the polling day itself, and the subsequent post-election period.
To facilitate thorough observation, members of the Group have been strategically deployed to various selected divisions across the country. Their mandate includes observing critical stages of the electoral process, such as:
- The opening of polling stations.
- The casting of votes by citizens.
- The closing of polls.
- The counting of ballots.
- The management and transmission of election results.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his honor at being invited by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, to serve as the Chairperson of the Observer Group for these elections and the accompanying referendum.
In his arrival statement, delivered in Dhaka, he acknowledged the significant context in which these elections are taking place. He noted that the polls follow a period marked by political contestation, robust public discourse on governance, and ongoing efforts towards institutional reform. Crucially, he recognized the persistent aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens for electoral processes that are transparent, inclusive, and credible.
He further elaborated on the fundamental principles of the Commonwealth, stating, “Democracy remains one of the most important pillars of the Commonwealth, enshrined in its Charter, a fundamental global value rooted in the principle that people have the right to freely express their will and determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems.” This statement reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to democratic values as a cornerstone of its identity and operations.
Since their arrival, members of the Commonwealth Observer Group have actively engaged with a wide spectrum of stakeholders. These engagements have included meetings with representatives from:
- The media, to understand the role of information dissemination.
- Civil society organizations, to gauge public sentiment and oversight.
- Youth and women’s groups, to ensure their voices and concerns are considered.
- Political parties, to understand their perspectives on the electoral process.
- Other relevant stakeholders, to gather diverse insights.
These consultations are integral to the Group’s effort to form a holistic understanding of the electoral environment and to assess the fairness and integrity of the ongoing democratic exercise in Bangladesh.
