Only 26000 observers to monitor elections

A little more than 26,000 election observers, including 163 from foreign organisations and missions, will monitor the 11th parliamentary election slated for Sunday, reports UNB.

Among them, 25,900 observers are from 81 local organisations, according to a fact sheet of the election commission.

Among 163 observers from foreign organisations and missions, 38 foreign nationals are from different international organisations including Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA), AAEA, OIC and Commonwealth, 64 from diplomatic or foreign missions and 61 Bangladeshi nationals from foreign organisations, missions and High Commissions stationed in Bangladesh.

This time the number of observers is lesser than that of the year 2008, which was held amid participation of all major political parties.

More than 150,000 local and 600 foreign observers monitored the 2008 general election, while over 200,000 local and 225 foreign observers monitored the 2001 general elections.