Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will chair a 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s elections and referendum on February 12, 2026. The appointment was announced in London on January 21 by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
It follows a formal request from the Bangladesh Election Commission. The mission will observe the country’s 13th parliamentary elections held alongside a referendum on the July Charter reforms. The reforms propose major political and constitutional changes after a recent uprising. Ms Botchwey said the mission is timely and vital for Bangladesh’s democratic future.
She stressed the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. The Observer Group will submit a final report with findings and recommendations to stakeholders and the public.
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