Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been appointed to lead a 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and a nationwide referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026.
The appointment was announced in London on January 21, 2026, by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, following a request from the Bangladesh Election Commission.
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The mission will observe Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, which will take place alongside a referendum on the July Charter — a post-uprising reform framework proposing major political and constitutional changes.
Describing the deployment as timely and important, Shirley Botchwey said credible, transparent and inclusive elections are vital for democratic governance and long-term stability.
She noted that the Commonwealth’s role goes beyond routine observation.
“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,” she said.
She also stressed that the mission would operate independently and impartially to support the free expression of the people’s will.
She also thanked members of the Observer Group for their commitment, commending them for dedicating the start of the year to strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.
Nana Akufo-Addo will chair the team, which includes election experts and professionals from across the Commonwealth, with backgrounds in politics, law, media, gender advocacy and electoral administration.
The mission will be supported by a secretariat team led by Linford Andrews of the Commonwealth’s Electoral Support Section.
The Observer Group will assess whether the elections and referendum are conducted in line with Bangladesh’s laws and democratic commitments.
At the end of the process, a detailed report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Secretary-General and shared with Bangladeshi authorities, political parties, Commonwealth member states and the public.
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Members of the group include former ministers, electoral commissioners, legal experts, civil society leaders and media professionals drawn from countries including Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zambia.
NA/AE
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Source:
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