Commonwealth Stands with Bangladesh: Observer Group Support

A Commonwealth Observer Group has begun observing preparations for Bangladesh’s upcoming Parliamentary Election and Referendum, reaffirming the Commonwealth’s support for the nation’s democratic process. The group, led by HE Nana Akufo-Addo, will assess the pre-election environment, polling day, and the post-election period.

Commonwealth Observer Group Commences Bangladesh Election Observation

HE Nana Akufo-Addo, Chairperson of the Group, stated he was honored to be invited by Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey to lead the observation team. Akufo-Addo noted the elections are taking place during a significant time for Bangladesh, following political debate and aspirations for transparent democratic processes.

“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. I enjoin all stakeholders to uphold these important values for the benefit and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh,”

Since arriving in Dhaka, the group has met with representatives from the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, and political parties. Further engagements, including meetings with the Bangladesh Electoral Commission, are planned.

Akufo-Addo also highlighted the importance of youth participation, noting that a significant proportion of Bangladesh’s population is under the age of 35. He stated their involvement is vital to the country’s democratic future and could inspire young people across the Commonwealth.

“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 said.

The Commonwealth Observer Group consists of 13 members, including the Chairperson, from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. Members bring expertise in areas such as politics, civil society, election management, diplomacy, and law. The group arrived on February 4 and will remain in Bangladesh until February 18.

The Group will deploy to selected divisions on February 10 to observe the opening of polls, voting, closing, counting, and the management of results. An interim statement outlining preliminary findings will be issued on February 14.

Read the Chairperson’s full statement

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group

Chairperson: HE Nana Akufo-Addo, Former President of Ghana

Observers (in alphabetical order of nationality):

• Mrs. Lebrechtta Nana Oye Hesse-Bayne, President, Caribbean Women in Leadership (CiWiL), Antigua and Barbuda
• Mr Neil Philip Ford, Communications Specialist, Canada
• Ms Miliana Iga Ramatanivai, Coordinator, Pacific Youth Council, Fiji
• Datuk (Dr) Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi, Former Senator, Malaysia
• Mr Mohammad Irfan Abdool Rahman, Electoral Commissioner, Mauritius
• Prof. David John Francis, Former Foreign Minister, Sierra Leone
• Ms Sangeetha Yogendran, Human Rights Lawyer, Singapore
• Prof. Mandla Mchunu, Former Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission, South Africa
• Dr Dinesha Samararatne, Professor, Department of Public & International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Prof. Winifred Mary Tarinyeba Kiryabwire, Associate Professor of Law, Uganda
• Ms Rosemary Ajayi, Social Media Expert, United Kingdom
• Mr Kryticous Patrick Nshindano, Former Chief Electoral Officer, Zambia