The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Saturday described Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections as credible and competently managed, calling the February 12 vote a pivotal step toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.

Presenting the mission’s preliminary findings at a press briefing in Dhaka, Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs said the polls were “genuinely competitive,” with fundamental freedoms broadly respected throughout the process.

“The 2026 parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law,” Ijabs said. He added that the electoral legal framework largely aligns with international standards and that the Bangladesh Election Commission operated independently and transparently, maintaining stakeholders’ confidence.

A delegation of Members of the European Parliament, led by Tomáš Zdechovský, fully endorsed the EU EOM’s preliminary statement. Zdechovský said the country is entering a “crucial new phase” and urged the newly elected parliament and government to implement approved reforms with the support of other state institutions.

According to BSS, the EU observers noted that Election Day was orderly, festive and calm, with polling officials efficiently managing voting and counting. The presence of party agents at all stages and regular updates on results tabulation at the local level contributed to public confidence, though independent participation of persons with disabilities was not always ensured.

The mission also underscored the positive role played by citizen observers, fact-checkers, and youth and women activists in strengthening transparency and helping voters make informed choices.

However, the Chief Observer flagged several concerns. He said limited political space for women undermined equal participation, while sporadic localized violence and fear of mob attacks, often fuelled by disinformation, negatively affected the democratic environment. He further observed that the absence of affirmative action measures continues to leave indigenous communities and minorities underrepresented in politics.

“It is time to abandon the old practices that no longer reflect the growing maturity of Bangladesh’s democracy and to chart a new course promoting independent institutions, human rights, and accountability,” Ijabs said.

The EU EOM has been deployed in Bangladesh since late 2025. On Election Day, the mission fielded 223 international observers from all EU member states, along with Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, covering all 64 administrative districts.

The mission will continue monitoring the post-election environment and is expected to publish a comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future electoral reforms, in the coming months.

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