Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been appointed to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July Charter, both scheduled for February 12, 2026.
The July Charter is a post-uprising reform framework proposing political and constitutional changes in Bangladesh.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, announced the composition of the 14-member Observer Group in London on Thursday, January 22, 2026, following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission.
Announcing the deployment, Ms Botchwey underscored the significance of the mission, saying: “As we deploy our team to observe the elections and referendum being held concurrently in Bangladesh, we reaffirm the fundamental importance of credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in strengthening democratic governance and supporting long-term stability.”
She said the presence of the Observer Group was driven by a commitment to the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.
“Our presence in Bangladesh is guided not only by the responsibility to observe, but by a commitment to uphold the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people at this crucial moment in their democratic journey, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed,” she said.
Ms Botchwey also expressed appreciation to members of the mission, stating: “I extend my sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have dedicated the beginning of their new year to preparing for this significant assignment in support of the people of Bangladesh.”
Former President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts drawn from across the Commonwealth, including professionals in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration. The Observer Group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Mr Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser of the Electoral Support Section.
The mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group is to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the parliamentary elections and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner, in line with national laws and the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself.
At the end of the mission, the Group will submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The report will subsequently be shared with the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, all Commonwealth governments, and made publicly available.
