EC Confident Turnout Intact Despite AL Absence

EC Sanaullah. Photo: Collected

The Election Commission has said it does not expect voter turnout to fall in the 13th National Parliamentary Election despite the absence of the Awami League, although some foreign journalists have questioned the overall credibility of the polls.

Speaking at a pre-election briefing for foreign observers and journalists in Dhaka on Wednesday, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said voter participation would not be affected, noting that several parties allied with the Awami League are contesting the election.

In response to questions about whether the absence of a major political party could affect the legitimacy of the vote, he said the broader political context must be taken into account. He observed that the country experienced what he described as a “democratic deficit” over the past one and a half decades, leaving many citizens in their thirties without having had the opportunity to cast a vote.

He added that the country is now passing through a transitional phase and that individuals associated with past disputed elections are facing legal proceedings, which has resulted in certain groups being unable to participate.

“We do not see any possibility of low voter turnout,” he said. “There is strong enthusiasm among voters regardless of political affiliation. While some people may choose not to vote, as happens in any election, overall participation is expected to be significant.”

When asked whether he supported the effective exclusion of the party, the commissioner said the matter should be viewed in the context of developments in July and August 2024.

Polling will continue until 4:30pm on election day, with vote counting set to begin immediately afterwards. Preliminary results are expected overnight, and the official nationwide results are scheduled to be announced the following morning.