A new initiative, "AFED: Citizen Observation for Inclusive and Accountable Elections," has been launched to strengthen transparency, participation, and fairness in Bangladesh's 13th national parliamentary election.
Funded by the European Union and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the project will be implemented by Lighthouse Democracy Watch and Rupantor.
The initiative will deploy 175 long-term observers across constituencies for about 60 days to monitor candidate nominations, campaigns, political funding, election administration, polling-day security, electoral violence, and inclusion of women, youth, disabled, minority, and indigenous communities.
On polling day, 1,800 observers will monitor 900 polling stations, with 800 more assigned to high-risk or sensitive centers.
The project aims to provide comprehensive documentation, statistical evaluation, increased visibility for AFED, and evidence-based recommendations to improve future elections, while boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
