The Election Commission (EC) has received praise from Canadian election observers for organizing a smooth election process that allowed voters to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choosing.

In a statement released on Sunday, January 7, and signed by Senator Victor Oh and Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, the Canadians said, "We wish to congratulate the Bangladesh Election Commission on successfully conducting a free and fair election."
They said that Bangladeshi citizens had used their fundamental right to vote.
"The people of Bangladesh have chosen today, in the true spirit of democracy, who gets their mandate to lead the nation forward for the next five years," the statement read.

They expressed their gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for the invitation and said it was an honor to be there at such a significant occasion.

Nearly 1,900 candidates entered the elections, a record number for women and transgender candidates, despite calls for a boycott from several political groups.

The observers applauded the EC for trying to get young people to vote and for responding to the candidates' grievances in line with Bangladeshi law.
They claimed they saw the election process firsthand and encountered no difficulties while visiting several polling places.
"We would like to acknowledge and applaud the Bangladesh Election Commission for their outstanding work in organizing all governmental institutions and conducting a successful, free, and fair election."

Today, voters in Bangladesh went to the polls to choose a new five-year government. According to polls, the Awami League is expected to win and form the government for a fourth time in a row.