Jan 7 election ‘quality’ eroded: two US agencies: Despite less violence than previous elections, the “quality” of the January 7 election has deteriorated for various reasons, two US election watchdogs said.
National Democratic Alliance (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI), two US-based election monitoring organizations, have highlighted such information in a 29-page technical review report published on March 16 about the twelfth national election of Bangladesh.
Their report analyzed various aspects of the election. According to their published report, issues such as conflict between the state, ruling and opposition parties, the absence of opposition parties the restriction of civil liberties, and the deterioration of freedom of expression have undermined the quality of the elections.
NDI and IRI sent technical assessment delegations to monitor potential election violence during and after the elections. The delegation’s joint report outlined their observations on the election.
However, Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nashim said, “The January 7 elections were participatory and despite all obstacles and intimidation, the turnout of voters in the elections was ‘hopeful’.”
Earlier, the report of the technical team of the European Union on the elections said that the January 7 parliamentary elections failed to meet international democratic standards. The election failed to make the election credible.
However, the NDI and IRI report said incidents of direct or online violence during national election days or campaigning have been lower than in any previous election.
The reason for this is the lack of effective competition in the elections and the government’s special attention to security.
Report findings
Earlier in October 2023, a joint pre-election assessment mission of the organization came to Bangladesh on a four-day visit.
Based on their observations, NDI and IRI sent Technical Assessment Delegations (TAMs) to observe the elections.
Various stakeholders have told these delegations that if the government is criticized, there is a danger that it will suffer negative consequences later.
Recommendations of Observers
According to the report, the 2024 electoral process may have seen less violence than in previous elections, but significant gaps and challenges remain.
As a result, NDI and IRI made several recommendations in the report to strengthen the democratic system of Bangladesh with international cooperation and mitigate and combat violence in future elections.
In that case, the report has been divided into four categories namely state agencies, physical violence, violence against women and marginalized groups, and information environment.
It has been said that Parliament, Election Commission, and other related government officials should ensure neutrality in elections by changing the legal framework.
At the same time, making a dedicated Code of Conduct of the Election Commission for those concerned with election security and providing them with training.
To prevent intimidation of voters or violence against them, the Election Commission and other governments concerned should take appropriate measures through law enforcement and investigation.
Investigate expeditiously incidents against women and other marginalized groups. Uniform punishment of offenders for violation of election laws and code of conduct, including threats of violence against women and other marginalized groups through traditional and social media. Simultaneously monitor harmful and violent speech related to elections.
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