Participatory and peaceful polls key to democracy: EU chief election observer Ivars Ijabs

The European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EOM) yesterday said a peaceful, participatory and transparent election in Bangladesh is crucial to strengthening democratic institutions.

“These historic elections will be crucial to bolster democratic institutions through the ballot box,” said EU EOM Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs at a press conference at a city hotel.

An 11-member core team began work in Bangladesh in late December, while a 56-member long-term observer team arrived yesterday and will be deployed across all 64 districts. In addition, 90 short-term observers will arrive shortly before the polls, along with a delegation from the European Parliament.

The full mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. This is the EU’s first fully fledged election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008.

Ijabs said the mission will engage with election authorities, political parties, the judiciary, civil society and the media. It will observe election preparations, the legal framework and its implementation, campaigning, dispute resolution, and the overall space for political and civic participation, including for women, youth and vulnerable groups.

The full mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. This is the EU’s first fully fledged election observation mission in Bangladesh since 2008.

The EOM will also monitor traditional and social media to assess whether voters are able to make informed choices. Its assessment will be based on national law and international democratic standards, guided by the principles of independence, impartiality and non-interference.

“We will observe the process, but we will not certify the results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh,” said Ijabs, a member of the European Parliament from Latvia. 

He added that the mission hopes to contribute to public confidence in the electoral process.

Two days after the polls, the EOM will issue a preliminary statement, followed by a final report two months later.

Asked about the election environment, Ijabs said the Election Commission appears committed to holding a credible and participatory election. 

He noted that credibility and competitiveness need to be restored after previous elections.

On security, he said law enforcers must maintain order while protecting freedom of expression and association. 

He added that a “participatory and inclusive” election means the involvement of all social groups, regardless of faith, ethnicity or gender, and a voter turnout that reflects active civic engagement.

Regarding inclusivity, he said it encompasses everything, including both the capacity of citizens to participate and the assurance that they are counted in a fair and transparent manner.

Regarding the ban on the Awami League, Ijabs said the issue involves complex questions of political reconciliation and transitional justice, and he would not comment on it.

“But of course, we are going to pay attention to it as long as it makes an impact on the election and on the turnout,” he said.

He also said observers would pay special attention to any risk of intimidation of minority communities.

Meanwhile, Ijabs met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday to discuss election preparations, the level playing field for parties and the referendum, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

“He described the meeting as highly important, with extensive discussions covering election preparedness, the level playing field for political parties, and the referendum, particularly the ‘Yes’ vote,” said the press wing in a statement. 

Prof Yunus described the EU mission as vital for a credible election and democratic transition. 

He identified misinformation on social media as a major challenge and warned that elements linked to the fallen autocratic regime may attempt to disrupt the polls.

However, Prof Yunus said the security forces are fully prepared to respond to any challenges.