Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is chairing a Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.
The former Ghanaian leader is heading a high-level delegation mandated to observe the electoral process, with a focus on pre-election preparations, stakeholder engagement and the overall readiness of the country ahead of polling day.
Confirming his arrival in Dhaka in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 8, Akufo-Addo said the Observer Group had begun preliminary engagements with key stakeholders.
According to him, the team has started a series of consultations to gain a broad understanding of Bangladesh’s political and electoral environment ahead of the polls.
“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.
“The group has met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties and other stakeholders,” he stated.
These engagements form a key part of the Commonwealth’s election observation process, allowing the team to hear directly from a wide range of actors and assess the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Akufo-Addo’s appointment highlights his continued involvement in international diplomacy and democratic governance following the end of his presidency.
As President of Ghana, he played an active role in regional and global affairs, particularly in promoting 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 to observe voting, counting and the collation of results.
Akufo-Addo officially handed over power on January 7, 2025, after completing two terms in office. This assignment marks one of his major international engagements since leaving office.
