EC Masud urges local observer orgs to help overcome voter apathy, restore trust
Observers have responsibilities that go beyond monitoring polls, he said.
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud has called on local election observer organisations to take a more active role in addressing public apathy and distrust toward elections, saying their engagement is crucial for strengthening Bangladesh's democratic process.
Speaking at a dialogue with domestic observer organisations at the Election Commission headquarters in the capital's Agargaon today (25 November), Masud said observers have responsibilities that go beyond monitoring polls.
"People have developed apathy and distrust toward voting. It is difficult for us, sitting here, to erase that distrust. But you, working on the ground, can help build confidence," he said.
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"Delivering the Election Commission's accurate message to the public is most effectively done through you."
He noted that observer organisations work across regions and communities, giving them strong social networks that can be used to raise awareness and restore confidence in the electoral process.
"You are devoted to strengthening the democratic system. Creating awareness among citizens and helping them regain trust — these roles are extremely important," he added. "Through your networks, our messages will reach people more quickly, making our work significantly easier."
According to the Election Commission, representatives from 81 domestic observer organisations participated in the two-session dialogue held in the morning and afternoon. Discussions covered the election environment, opportunities for observation, increasing voter turnout, and strategies to rebuild public trust.
