Feb 12 (V7N) — The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Ivars Ijabs, reported a wave of "positive enthusiasm and participation" among voters during the first half of Bangladesh’s general elections today. Speaking to journalists at the Curzon Hall polling center at Dhaka University, Ijabs expressed optimism that the active turnout observed by midday would persist until the polls close.

The mission is currently managing a massive operation, with over 200 observers deployed across cities, towns, and rural districts. Ijabs noted that the EU is maintaining real-time digital communication with its teams to monitor the opening of stations, voter participation rates, and the overall integrity of the process. Early reports indicate that the majority of polling stations opened on schedule and that voting has proceeded in a peaceful atmosphere.

Maintaining a firm stance on non-interference, Ijabs reiterated the mission's strict neutrality. "We are absolutely neutral. We are not taking part in any political process. We are observing," he stated. He emphasized that the EU would refrain from making specific comments on the technicalities of the process while voting is still underway to avoid influencing the political landscape or the behavior of the electorate.

Describing the 13th parliamentary polls as a "wonderful opportunity," the Chief Observer praised the return of a competitive and participatory electoral environment. He characterized the day as a significant moment for Bangladeshi citizens to exercise their democratic rights in a free and open setting, a stark contrast to previous cycles.

The EU EOM will now transition into the monitoring of ballot counting and tabulation. A preliminary report containing the mission's initial findings is scheduled to be released at 12:00 PM on February 14, providing a fact-based assessment of the election’s overall fairness and transparency.

END/AJ/RH