Growing gap visible in EC's efforts to ensure fair polls: TIB

A growing gap is becoming visible in the efforts of the Election Commission (EC) and other stakeholders to create a free, fair, transparent, and level playing field, as well as to organise a peaceful election, according to a TIB study.

In particular, the effective exercise of the powers vested in the Commission to prevent

 political conflict, violations of the code of conduct, irregularities, and unhealthy competition is not visible, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said.

This information and observation were disclosed at a press conference titled "Pre-election and Referendum: TIB's Observation" held at the TIB auditorium in the capital on Sunday. TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman was present at the press conference.

According to the study, 33.8 per cent of candidates spent beyond the expenditure ceiling between December 4, 2025 and February 1, 2026.

The average spending during this period stood at Tk 11.96 million per candidate.

In December, the EC introduced a revised framework for determining election expenditure limits for candidates. Under the new system, candidates are allowed to spend either Tk 2.5 million or Tk 10 per registered voter -- whichever amount is higher.

Speaking at the function, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said due to opposing stances of influential political parties, the government's indecisiveness in reaching a decision regarding a referendum, and the enactment of an ordinance aimed at satisfying both sides have, from the outset, created ambiguity, confusion, and controversy over the subject matter and the specific questions of the referendum.

"Even if the decisions to hold the election and the referendum on the same day, along with the mandate for an Upper House in Parliament, were intended as a means to achieve that satisfaction, the matter has only become more complicated", he added.

TIB in its observation in the report said candidates have been declared valid for the election despite providing false information or concealing facts regarding foreign assets and dual citizenship in their affidavits.

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