Russian Election Observers Praise Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election Process
A delegation from the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation (CEC) has commended the conduct of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election and Referendum following a two-day observation mission in Dhaka and Narayanganj.
The Russian team, headed by CEC Commissioner Pavel Andreev, monitored proceedings from February 11 to 12 as part of an international observation program, visiting more than 40 polling booths across eight polling centers in the Bangladeshi capital and adjacent district.
Smooth and Transparent Process
According to the Russian observers, election officials demonstrated strong preparedness for the combined voting process, with voters showing keen interest in exercising their democratic rights.
“At every station visited, commission members followed a well-rehearsed procedure in line with national laws and election commission directives,” the delegation noted in its preliminary assessment. “Presiding officers were thoroughly prepared and directed operations smoothly.”
The observers reported a friendly and constructive atmosphere throughout the polling stations they visited. Polling officers worked collaboratively with party polling agents present at all sites to ensure transparency and effective oversight of the voting process.
Robust Security Arrangements
Security for the election was extensive, with over 900,000 police and army personnel deployed nationwide. The Russian delegation noted that organisers succeeded in holding a calm and secure vote in accordance with legal requirements, with isolated incidents failing to disrupt the overall atmosphere or affect proceedings.
Voter Enthusiasm Notable
The observers highlighted particular engagement among the electorate, noting that for many voters—based on their comments—this election represented a long-awaited democratic moment following political changes in July 2024. Some voters brought children to polling stations, viewing the occasion as a family event.
“Political rivalries played out solely through ballot marks,” the delegation observed. “The overall mood was peaceful, even festive.”
Election officials reportedly informed the Russian team that turnout exceeded figures from previous years, underscoring public enthusiasm for the process.
Methodical Vote Counting
At one counting center attended by the observers, preparations for vote tabulation were methodical and conducted transparently in the presence of polling agents and under video surveillance, ensuring the integrity of the final stage of the electoral process.
Strengthening Bilateral Electoral Cooperation
During their visit, Pavel Andreev met with Bangladesh Chief Election Officer A.M.M. Nasir Uddin to discuss electoral standards and technologies. Andreev extended an invitation from CEC of Russia Chairperson Ella Pamfilova for Bangladeshi counterparts to participate in international observation of upcoming Russian State Duma elections.
The observation mission builds on existing cooperation between the two election commissions, which have maintained a memorandum of cooperation since 2019. Notably, a delegation from the Election Commission of Bangladesh observed Russia’s presidential election in March 2024, reflecting a pattern of reciprocal electoral engagement between the two nations.
The Russian observation mission adds to the international community’s assessment of Bangladesh’s democratic processes as the country navigates its political future following significant political changes in mid-2024.
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