Desk Report:
A delegation of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation (CEC) visited Dhaka on February 11-12 to observe the 13th parliamentary elections and referendum. Led by Commissioner Pavel Andreyev, the delegation participated in the international observation program.
Observers from the Russian CEC and the Embassy of Russia in Bangladesh in Dhaka visited more than 40 polling stations in 8 polling stations in Dhaka and Narayanganj. They observed every step from the moment the centers opened until the start of vote counting.
The observers said that the preparation of the election officials in organizing the joint parliamentary elections and referendum was remarkable. Each center was seen performing its duties in a well-planned manner in accordance with the national law and the instructions of the Election Commission. The presiding officers conducted the activities efficiently. There was a friendly and constructive atmosphere at the polling stations. They also noted that transparency and monitoring were ensured with the help of party polling agents present.
Describing the security arrangements as ‘robust and effective’, the delegation said that over 900,000 police and army personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. While some isolated incidents occurred, they did not affect the overall atmosphere or the voting process.
Voter turnout was encouraging. Observers said that many voters saw the election as an important and anticipated event after the fall of the government in July 2024. In some places, voters were seen coming to the polling stations with their families. Political competition was limited to ballots and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and festive. Election officials also reported a higher voter turnout than in previous years.
Preparations for counting at one polling station were well-organized; preparations were made to conduct the counting process in the presence of polling agents and video surveillance.
During the visit, the delegation met with Bangladesh’s Chief Election Officer A.M.M. Nasir Uddin. The meeting discussed the issues of election standards and the use of technology. Pavel Andreev, on behalf of the Chairman of the CEC of Russia, Ella Pamfilova, invited the Election Commission of Bangladesh to participate in the international observation program for the upcoming State Duma elections.
It is worth noting that a delegation of the Election Commission of Bangladesh participated in the observation mission for the Russian presidential election in March 2024. A memorandum of cooperation has been in effect between the CEC of Russia and the Election Commission of Bangladesh since 2019.
