The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has described Bangladesh's 13th parliamentary elections as "credible" and "competently managed", "genuinely competitive and pluralistic," but noted a lack of adequate women's representation.
"Election day was calm and orderly, with poll workers managing voting and counting efficiently. Party agents were present at all stages, and local-level result updates by returning officers and media helped maintain public confidence," the EU EOM observed, adding that the election marked a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and the rule of law.
Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Chief Observer of the mission, made these remarks at a press briefing today in Dhaka. The Delegation of MEPs, led by Tomáš Zdechovský, endorsed the findings. Ambassadors and senior officials of EU member states were also present.
Replying to a question about voter turnout, Ijabs described it as "satisfactory."
The Chief Observer reiterated that the national election was "credible, genuinely competitive, and pluralistic," while observing that there was insufficient women's representation.
"Parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and the rule of law," he told reporters at a city hotel.
Ijabs noted that, for the first time since 2008, elections were genuinely competitive and conducted under a renewed legal framework that largely accords with international standards, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected.
The EU EOM has urged the new parliament and government, backed by other state institutions, to implement the approved reforms, calling them a "pivotal step" toward restoring democratic governance and the rule of law, Zdechovský told the media.
He said Bangladesh is now entering a crucial new phase. He described the July Charter issue as reflecting the Bangladeshi people's aspirations for democracy.
"The 2026 parliamentary elections were genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected," Ijabs said.
"The electoral legal framework largely accords with international standards, while the Bangladesh Election Commission worked independently and transparently, maintaining stakeholders' confidence and lending integrity to the polls."
He also highlighted the contributions of citizen observers, fact-checkers, and youth and women activists in enhancing transparency and helping voters make informed choices.
According to EU observers, election day was calm and orderly, with poll workers managing voting and counting efficiently. Party agents were present at all stages, and local-level result updates by returning officers and the media helped maintain public confidence.
However, the mission highlighted shortcomings, including limited participation of persons with disabilities, restricted political space for women, sporadic localized political violence, and persistent fears of mob attacks fueled by disinformation. Indigenous communities and minorities also remain underrepresented in politics due to the absence of affirmative action measures, the observers said.
Ijabs urged Bangladesh to move away from outdated practices and promote independent institutions, human rights, and accountability.
The EU EOM has been in Bangladesh since late 2025, with 223 international observers from EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland deployed across all 64 districts on election day.
"The mission will continue monitoring the post-election environment and publish a final report with recommendations in the coming months," Ivars Ijabs said.
