EU Observer Chief: A Participatory Election Means Inclusion of All

The head of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission, Dr. Ivars Ijabs, has said, “A participatory election means the participation of everyone.” However, clarifying that holding or observing a referendum is outside the EU’s mandate, he made it clear that the EU will remain limited to observing parliamentary elections only.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists at an event in the capital on Sunday (11 January).

Dr. Ivars Ijabs said that in the political reality of Bangladesh, the issue of a “participatory election” has long been at the center of debate. In this context, he stated, “There is an old conflict in Bangladesh regarding the idea that participatory means everyone’s participation.” However, he also commented that there is scope for consensus or conciliation on this issue.

The head of the EU observer mission further said that the EU would not comment on such political compromise processes as long as voter turnout or voting rates are not affected. In his words, the EU’s main objective in election observation is to assess whether the voting process is transparent, credible, and in line with international standards.

Regarding the upcoming national election, Dr. Ivars Ijabs said that the biggest challenge in Bangladesh remains the lack of mutual trust and confidence. He believes that without overcoming the trust deficit among political parties, it will be difficult to organize an acceptable election.

He also said that the role of law enforcement agencies during the election period is extremely important. At the same time, maintaining a balance between ensuring freedom of expression and security is also a major challenge. He emphasized that the activities of law enforcement agencies should not undermine democratic rights.

Dr. Ivars Ijabs stated that the EU observer mission will operate strictly within its designated mandate to observe the parliamentary election in Bangladesh. He said that an impartial and professional observation report will be prepared by evaluating the pre-election, election-day, and post-election environment.