Former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is leading a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.
The high-level delegation has been tasked with monitoring the electoral process, with particular attention to pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagement, and the country’s overall readiness ahead of polling day.
Akufo-Addo confirmed his arrival in Dhaka in a Facebook post on Sunday, February 8, announcing that the Observer Group had already begun preliminary engagements with key electoral stakeholders.
According to him, the team has initiated a series of consultations aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh’s political climate and electoral environment.
“Arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group to observe pre-poll arrangements ahead of the country’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum on February 12,” he stated.
“The group has met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and other stakeholders.”
These interactions form a core part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, enabling the group to assess the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process through direct engagement with a broad range of actors.
Akufo-Addo’s appointment underscores his continued involvement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the end of his presidency. While in office, he played an active role in regional and global affairs, particularly in advancing democracy, constitutional rule, and multilateral cooperation through platforms such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to remain in Bangladesh through election day and the immediate post-election period, observing voting procedures, vote counting, and the collation of results.
Akufo-Addo officially handed over power on January 7, 2025, after serving two terms as President of Ghana. This assignment represents one of his first major international roles since leaving office.