Electoral reform an ongoing process in every country: EU EOM chief observer
Chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs on Tuesday said the work of improving and refining electoral process remains an essential ongoing exercise in any country also here in Bangladesh.
“In this spirit, we offer our final report, and its 19 recommendations with the hope of contributing positively to future elections in Bangladesh,” he told reporters at a briefing in a city hotel in the afternoon.
The chief observer said they are looking forward to discussing these recommendations with the national stakeholders, as it is essential to continue an inclusive dialogue in the next steps, to strengthen democracy, and uphold rule of law, and build public trust.
“These credible and competently managed elections marked a pivotal step toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law, reflecting a shared commitment to democratic processes among all stakeholders,” he said.
“Although elections bolstered public trust, legal and procedural gaps remain, signaling the need to continue the reform process in line with the July National Charter and beyond.”
He said the European Union stands ready to support national partners in implementing these recommendations.
“The work of our mission is now finished, but let me assure you that the European Union Delegation here remains committed to working with Bangladeshi partners on the democratic processes,” said the chief observer.
On Sunday, he shared a final report with Bangladesh including recommendations for improving future elections.
He met Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, and presented the mission’s final report and recommendations.
The final report is based on a long-term, independent observation of the electoral process across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, while the 19 recommendations offered by the EU EOM aim at reinforcing the integrity of future elections.
The chief observer expressed hope that those recommendations will be considered by all relevant stakeholders, including Bangladesh Parliament.
The EU EOM has been present in Bangladesh since the end of 2025 and on election day – February 22 – comprised 223 international observers, drawn from all EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, deployed across all 64 administrative districts.
The EU EOM presented the mission’s preliminary statement on the 12 February parliamentary elections on February 14.
The 2026 parliamentary elections were described as “credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step” towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law.
“This historic contest was genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected. The electoral legal framework largely accords with international standards, while the Bangladesh Election Commission worked independently and transparently, maintaining the confidence of stakeholders and lending integrity to the polls,” said chief observer Ijabs.
