Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is at the helm of a Commonwealth Observer Group for the Parliamentary Election and Referendum in Bangladesh, which is set to take place on February 12.
The ex-leader of Ghana is leading this high-level delegation tasked with monitoring the electoral process, emphasizing pre-poll preparations, engagement with stakeholders, and assessing the nation’s overall readiness as voting day approaches.
In a post on Facebook, Akufo-Addo announced his arrival in Dhaka on Sunday, February 8, and mentioned that the Observer Group had already initiated preliminary discussions with key stakeholders.
He stated that the team has begun a series of consultations aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh’s political and electoral landscape prior to the elections.
“I have arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group to oversee pre-poll arrangements in anticipation of the country’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum on February 12.
“The group has engaged with representatives from the media, civil society, youth and women’s organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders.”
These interactions are a vital component of the Commonwealth’s election observation framework, enabling the team to gather insights directly from a diverse array of participants and evaluate the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Akufo-Addo’s involvement underscores his ongoing commitment to international diplomacy and democratic governance following the conclusion of his presidency.
During his tenure as President of Ghana, he was actively involved in both regional and global matters, particularly in advocating for democracy, constitutional governance, and multilateral collaboration through organizations such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is anticipated to remain in Bangladesh throughout election day and the subsequent post-election period, monitoring the voting process, counting, and the compilation of results.
Akufo-Addo formally transferred his office on January 7, 2025, concluding two terms as President of Ghana. This position represents one of his initial significant international responsibilities following his departure from office.
