Dhaka [Bangladesh], February 11 (ANI): At the very least 394 worldwide election observers and 197 overseas journalists have arrived in Bangladesh to watch the nation’s thirteenth basic election and the referendum on the July Nationwide Constitution, each scheduled to be held on Thursday, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing stated in an announcement on Wednesday.
Of the worldwide observers, 80 characterize varied worldwide organisations.
A complete of 240 observers are from bilateral international locations, together with unbiased European observers.
One other 51 are people affiliated with totally different international establishments.
‘The variety of worldwide observers for the upcoming polls is greater than double that of the controversial basic election held on January 7, 2024. By comparability, the twelfth, eleventh, and tenth basic elections had been monitored by 158, 125, and simply 4 worldwide observers, respectively,’ the assertion added.
Key organisations sending observer missions embrace the Asian Community for Free Elections (ANFREL), with 28 observers, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, with 27.
The US-based Worldwide Republican Institute (IRI) has deployed 19 observers, whereas the Nationwide Democratic Institute (NDI) has despatched one.
Different organisations embrace the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with two observers, the Worldwide Convention of Asian Political Events (ICAPP), with two, and the European Exterior Motion Service, with one.
Along with the European Union, observers are arriving from 21 international locations.
These embrace Pakistan (8), Bhutan (2), Sri Lanka (11), Nepal (1), Indonesia (3), and the Philippines (2).
Observers have additionally arrived from Malaysia (6), Jordan (2), Turkiye (13), Iran (3), Georgia (2), and Russia (2).
Different taking part international locations embrace China (3), Japan (4), South Korea (2), Kyrgyzstan (2), Uzbekistan (2), South Africa (2), and Nigeria (4).
Fifty-one observers representing organisations equivalent to Voice for Justice, Democracy Worldwide, SNAS Africa, the SAARC Human Rights Basis, and the Polish Institute of Worldwide Affairs will monitor the election of their particular person capacities, in line with info from the Ministry of International Affairs and the Election Fee.
‘We’re overwhelmed by the response from international locations and organisations sending election observers,’ stated Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator, who’s supporting the coordination of worldwide observer visits.
‘This displays the boldness of the worldwide group in Bangladesh’s Interim Authorities to carry a free, truthful, and participatory election.’
She added that past the variety of observers, their high quality was significantly encouraging.
‘Lots of the observers have intensive expertise and excessive credentials in election monitoring worldwide. That is very reassuring for us,’ she stated.
Notable high-level individuals embrace former President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan Deki Pema.
Former Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul and former Authorities Deputy Chief Whip within the UK Home of Lords, Lord Richard Newby, are additionally among the many individuals.
Election Fee of Malaysia official Ramlan Bir Harun and Iranian parliamentarian Behnam Saeedi, a member of the Presiding Board of the Fee on International Coverage and Nationwide Safety, are additionally a part of the delegation.
Greater than 2,000 candidates, representing over 50 political events in addition to unbiased contenders, are contesting the parliamentary seats.
The final election shall be held concurrently with a referendum on the July Nationwide Constitution. (ANI)
