The European Union Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh chief observer, Ivars Ijabs, on Saturday said that the 2026 parliamentary elections of Bangladesh were credible and competently managed for the first time since the 2008 elections.

‘The 2026 parliamentary elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law. This historic contest was genuinely competitive, with fundamental freedoms broadly respected,’ said the EU EOM chief observer while presenting their preliminary statement of Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad election held on February 12.

He said that for the first time since 2008, elections were genuinely competitive, conducted under a renewed legal framework.

He noted that the election day was orderly, festive and calm.

He, however, observed that low representation of women in the election was concerning.

The EU EOM was also observing the post-election situation and would present final report in early May, Ivars Ijabs added.

The European Union Election Observation Mission has deployed 200 observers, including 90 short-term observers, to observe the election day proceedings in all 64 administrative districts.