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Strengthening Democracy through Independent Election Observation, Transparency and Citizen Participation
The Election Observation and Monitoring Program of Khan Foundation is designed to support
democratic governance by independently observing election processes and assessing
transparency, fairness, accessibility, and credibility of elections in Bangladesh.
The program involves monitoring polling centers, assessing election management systems,
observing voter participation, identifying challenges, and providing recommendations to improve
electoral processes.
Khan Foundation has worked with domestic groups and coalitions bringing citizens together for
election monitoring efforts to ensure electoral integrity and to promote accountability in governm
ent and among political contestants. Their efforts help to raise public confidence in election proc
esses, deter irregularities and electoral manipulation, provide an important avenue for citizen part
icipation and provide important information concerning the character of elections.
The overarching goal of election observation is to support efforts to strengthen democratic proce
sses and institutions and to support the conduct of elections that meet international standards, are
peaceful, and have credible results.
Khan Foundation is likewise grateful to the BEC for the patient assistance rendered in completin
g the accreditation process, finalizing the deployment plans of accredited organizations, and issui
ng clarifying instructions to election officials in the field who insisted on following procedures in
consistent with domestic observer accreditation guidelines specified by the BEC. KF observes the following program:
Local Government Election Observation
National Parliamentary Elections Observation
International Elections Observation
Khan Foundation (KF) played a pioneering role as a founding member of the Election Working
Group (EWG), the largest national alliance of civil society organizations working on election
monitoring and democratic governance in Bangladesh after the restoration of democracy in the
1990s. Building on its longstanding commitment to electoral integrity, Khan Foundation
currently leads the Alliance for Fair Election & Democracy (AFED), a coalition dedicated to advancing free, fair, transparent, and credible electoral processes.
Promoting democratic accountability through independent election observation
Observe election activities before, during, and after election day.
Assess transparency and efficiency of election administration.
Monitor polling center accessibility and facilities.
Evaluate voter participation and voting environment.
Identify irregularities and challenges.
Promote peaceful and credible elections.
Provide recommendations to election authorities.
The objective of the program is to observe election procedures objectively, evaluate compliance with electoral standards, increase public confidence, and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve election management.
Evidence-based recommendations for strengthening election systems
Increased understanding of election management practices.
Documented voter experiences at polling centers.
Identified operational challenges.
Strengthened election accountability mechanisms.
Promoted inclusive participation of voters.
Provided recommendations for future elections.
Key Findings Reported:
Polling centers were generally accessible.
Voters were able to complete voting procedures within reasonable time.
Special arrangements existed for elderly, sick, and disabled voters.
No major violence or disruption was observed at monitored centers.
The program generated independent observations and recommendations to improve election management, voter confidence, and democratic accountability.
Strengthening election systems through observation, assessment and advocacy
1. Election Monitoring
Independent observation of election activities.
2. Capacity Building
Training and deployment of election observers.
3. Citizen Awareness
Promoting voter rights and responsibilities.
4. Transparency Promotion
Monitoring election procedures and reporting findings.
5. Institutional Strengthening
Providing recommendations to improve election administration.
The intervention combines independent monitoring, voter-focused assessment, election research, and policy recommendations to strengthen democratic institutions.
Independent assessment of election procedures and voter experience
1. Polling Center Observation
Observed polling center accessibility.
Waiting areas
Water availability
Electricity
Sanitation facilities.
2. Election Day Monitoring
Opening and closing of polling.
Voter identification process.
Time required for voting.
Assistance for elderly, sick, and disabled voters.
3. Security and Law & Order Monitoring
Monitored election-related violence, disturbances, and voter safety.
Observed security personnel behavior during election activities.
4. Vote Counting Observation
Observed ballot counting procedures.
Verified transparency in counting processes.
Assessed result consolidation procedures.
5. Reporting and Recommendations
• Prepared election observation reports.
• Submitted findings and recommendations to relevant authorities.
Election Observed so far
• Dhaka City Corporation Elections Observation - 1994, 2002, 2015, 2019, 2020
• 8th National Parliamentary Election Observation 2001
• 9th National Parliamentary Election Observation 2008
• Narayangonj City Corporation Election Observation - 2011 & 2016
• Gazipur City Corporation Election Observation - 2012
• Comilla City Corporation Election Observation - 2012
• Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet City Corporation Election Observation - 2013
• Pourashova Election Observation - 2011
• Union Parishad Election Observation (Phase I & II) - 2011
• Chattogram City Corporation Election Observation - 2015
• Gazipur Bi-Election 2012
• Zilla Parishad Election Observation - 2016
• Upazila Election Observation - 2014
• Pourashova Election Observation - 2015
• Union Parishad Election Observation - 2016
• Union Parishad Elections Observation - 2021-2022
• Upazila Parishad Election Observation - 2024-2025
• 13th National Parliamentary Election Observation 2025
Khan Foundation implemented structured election observation activities through trained observers, polling center visits, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Empowering voters through transparency and accountability
Direct Beneficiaries
General voters.
First-time voters.
Women voters.
Elderly and disabled voters.
Election observers.
Indirect Beneficiaries
Bangladesh Election Commission.
Political parties.
Candidates.
Civil society organizations.
Government institutions.
The program benefits voters, civil society organizations, election authorities, and democratic institutions by promoting credible and participatory elections.
