EU calls BD polls pivotal for democratic reset
Diplomatic Reporter :
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) stated on Sunday that Bangladesh has the potential to hold credible and inclusive elections that can help the country progress as a democratic nation.
Speaking at a press conference at a city hotel in Dhaka, Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs further said the 13th parliamentary election was not just about choosing representatives, but about “fortifying democratic institutions through the ballot box.”
He emphasised that an inclusive and participatory election involves the active participation of all social groups, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, and regional communities, with a high voter turnout reflecting citizens’ engagement in shaping their democratic future.
The Chief Observer said that the upcoming election would be a critical test for rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring public trust.
“To do that, we have to have a permanent link with democratic, rule-of-law-based countries, with predictable partners in cooperation, in investment, in trade, and in other areas at the center of our cooperation,” Ijabs said, outlining why the European Union has deployed a full-fledged observation mission to Bangladesh for the first time since 2008.
Calling it an “honor and a privilege” to lead the mission, Ijabs thanked the Bangladesh Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the invitation, which he said reflected a partnership built on “mutual respect and a shared commitment to democracy.”
“This is a historic parliamentary election,” he said, noting that the EU sends fewer than 10 election observation missions worldwide each year.
“By sending one to Bangladesh, the European Union is confirming the depth and importance of our relationship.”
The EU mission formally began in late December with a core team of 10 experts.
On Sunday, 56 long-term observers arrived in Dhaka and will be deployed across all divisions of the country next week to monitor election preparations and campaigning.
They will later be joined by 90 short-term observers, along with representatives from EU member states and partner countries including Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
At full strength, the mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU member states and partner countries.
“Our task is to observe and assess,” Ijabs said. “We do not interfere, we do not administer elections, we do not certify results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh.”
He added that the mission would be guided by three principles: independence, impartiality, and non-interference.
Ijabs said the mission would assess whether the elections are conducted in line with national laws and international standards, examining the legal framework, the conduct of the election administration, campaign conditions, media coverage, and the resolution of electoral disputes.
“Since 2008, no credible and competitive elections have taken place in Bangladesh,” he said in response to a question.
“That means many things need to be reintroduced. The central issue, in Bangladesh as in many European countries, is to gain the trust and confidence of citizens. This, to my mind, is the most important goal of the entire process.”
He said his initial impression of the Election Commission was positive. “We value their transparency and openness in working with us,” he said, while stressing that it was still too early to make any final judgments.
Addressing concerns about security, Ijabs acknowledged that maintaining law and order without undermining civil liberties would be “tricky.”
“The balance is between having effective law enforcement on the one hand, and protecting free expression and the right of association on the other,” he said. “This is something we will pay close attention to.”
He also said the mission would closely monitor whether there is a “level playing field” for all candidates, including fair access to media and the handling of candidate registration and appeal processes.
On digital threats, including misinformation and deepfakes, Ijabs said the EU mission has a dedicated social media monitoring unit tracking platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
“There is no simple recipe,” he said. “Even in the European Union, we are still grappling with how to regulate large platforms, hate speech, harassment, and the use of artificial intelligence. But supporting fact-checking and quality journalism is essential.”
“Our hope is that this election will be peaceful, transparent, and inclusive – and that it will help the people of Bangladesh regain confidence in their democratic future.”