Bangladesh: Parliamentary elections postponed to December 30 /update 1

Event

The Chief Election Commission (CEC) announced on Monday, November 12, that the country's 11th parliamentary elections would be held a week later than initially planned; they and are now scheduled to take place, on Sunday, December 30. This follows a request from opposition parties, who demanded more time to prepare. Candidates will have until November 28 to submit their paperwork.

The run-up to the vote is expected to be tense. Despite a request from opposition parties, the government announced it would refuse to appoint a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election. Opposition parties are anticipated to hold political rallies in the coming weeks. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of any demonstration; clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

The run-up to the January 2014 elections was marred by political violence, making them the most violent elections the country had ever recorded. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted the elections over unfair electoral conditions. In the run-up to the election, the ruling Awami League (AL) refused to appoint a caretaker government, sparking mass opposition protests, paralyzing strikes (hartals), and blockades. Some 600 people were reportedly killed in the political violence; at least 21 people died on voting day in attacks on polling stations.

Advice

Individuals present in Bangladesh are advised to avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.