The Election Commission (EC) has finalised the registration of 66 domestic election observation organizations, authorizing them to monitor upcoming electoral processes across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the constitutional body also announced it would publish a public notice inviting claims and objections regarding 16 additional organisations that have received provisional approval. The public will have 15 working days to submit any objections or supporting information for review by the EC.
This development follows the implementation of the Election Observation Policy 2025, under which all previous accreditations were invalidated. According to Section 16 of the new policy, the registration of 96 local observer groups approved prior to the 12th National Parliamentary Election has been automatically canceled, requiring all organisations to reapply under updated guidelines.
To ensure transparency and inclusivity, the EC invited applications from eligible non-governmental organisations interested in serving as election observers. Applicants were required to submit the prescribed EO-1 form to the Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat by 5:00 PM on August 10, 2025.
On September 28, the EC published a preliminary list of 73 qualified organisations. Following a thorough evaluation of feedback, complaints, and compliance checks, 66 have now been granted final accreditation.
The Election Observation Policy 2025, along with the official registration notice and application form (EO-1), is available at the EC Secretariat’s Public Relations Office (Room 105) and on the Commission’s official website: www.ecs.gov.bd
The EC reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, emphasizing the critical role independent observers play in strengthening public trust and ensuring accountability throughout the electoral process.
Accredited organisations are expected to conduct impartial monitoring during voter registration, campaign periods, polling day operations, and vote counting in future local and national elections.
