Dhaka: Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday highlighted the significance of including diaspora voters in the Bangladesh elections, alongside a simultaneous referendum on constitutional reforms. This move, he stated, underscores a commitment to enhancing the democratic process in the country.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Akufo-Addo, the former president of Ghana, observed the electoral process at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka-08. He emphasized that the Commonwealth Observer Group is closely monitoring the entire electoral process, from the opening of polling stations to the management of results. Deployed across eight divisions, the observers engaged with local stakeholders and examined pre-poll arrangements. They are set to release their preliminary findings on February 14.
Long before polling stations opened at 7:30 am, anticipation was palpable across Bangladesh. This atmosphere was attentively monitored by Commonwealth election observers at key polling centers. By mid-morning, voter activity intensified as citizens participated in the 13th national election and a constitutional referendum on the July Charter reforms.
With over 127 million registered voters and 2,026 candidates, including 78 women, the election represents the largest democratic exercise of 2026 within the Commonwealth and globally. A total of 42,779 polling centers facilitated voting until 4:30 pm.
For the first time, diaspora voters from 122 countries took part, with over 772,000 out-of-country voters registered. Additionally, 1.53 million voters opted to vote by post.
At a polling center in Habiganj-03, 19-year-old Yudhishtir Biswas, an undergraduate student and first-time voter, expressed the significance of participating in the election. He noted the importance of the Commonwealth Charter’s values of trust, transparency, and fairness, emphasizing how these principles enhance the democratic process.