AFED says 80% of political parties, candidates trust Election Commission

As preparations for the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election gain momentum nationwide, more than 80 percent of political parties and candidates have expressed strong confidence in the Election Commission (EC), according to a new report.

The findings were released by the Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFED), which held discussions with representatives of political parties and candidates. Participants described the EC as independent and impartial, noting that such trust is essential to ensuring the credibility of both the electoral process and its outcome.

AFED Member Secretary Md Harun-Or-Rashid, who is also the chief executive of Light House, presented the report at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Monday.

The programme was jointly organised by AFED and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

The report is based on AFED’s election observation activities conducted between December 28, 2025, and February 8, 2026.

According to the findings, the EC has approved only 80 women candidates and one hijra (transgender) candidate for the election.

“The failure of political parties to nominate women candidates is alarming and highlights how far Bangladesh still has to go to ensure equal participation of women in the political landscape,” the report said.

AFED observers also reported 28 incidents of cash or in-kind vote buying and gift distribution, including essential goods, transport tokens and mobile recharges—practices that are strictly prohibited by law.

In addition, observers directly witnessed 56 cases of food distribution and two instances of money being handed out during campaign events.