Commonwealth Describes Bangladesh’s National Election as a Unique Democratic Milestone

The Commonwealth has described Bangladesh’s latest national election as a unique democratic milestone, calling it one of the largest democratic exercises globally in 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the international organization said Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election stands out worldwide, with more than 127 million registered voters and a total of 2,026 candidates, including 78 women, contesting in the polls.

The statement noted that the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group and former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, visited the Viqarunnisa Noon School and College polling center in the Dhaka-8 constituency.

Akufo-Addo said the Commonwealth team was observing the entire electoral process — from the opening of polling stations to the announcement of results.

He described the inclusion of overseas voters on such a large scale, alongside the organization of a constitutional reform referendum, as a significant step. According to him, the arrangements reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its democratic process.

Commonwealth observers reported that even before voting officially began at 7:30 a.m., a quiet sense of anticipation had spread across the country. Observers stationed at key polling centers closely monitored the situation.

As the morning progressed, that anticipation translated into steady voter participation, with citizens arriving at polling stations to cast their ballots — a development the Commonwealth described as an important stage in the country’s democratic journey.

The statement also quoted 19-year-old first-time voter Judhisthir Biswas from Habiganj-3 constituency. The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh student said, “This moment is deeply meaningful to me. For the first time, my opinion is formally recognized in a national decision.”

The 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group had deployed across Bangladesh’s eight divisions two days prior to the vote to monitor the election process.