On the eve of a historic democratic transition, Bangladesh is set to hold the upcoming13th National Parliament Election and the concurrent constitutional Referendum tomorrow (February 12).

This dual-ballot exercise, occurring under the supervision of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, marks a pivotal shift in the nation's political landscape following the mass uprising of July 2024.

Voting will take place across 299 constituencies from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the Sherpur-3 seat suspended following the death of a candidate.

To facilitate this massive undertaking, the Election Commission (EC) has mobilized approximately 800,000 officials and deployed an unprecedented security force of nearly 960,000 personnel.

This includes over 100,000 army troops and more than 187,000 police officers, alongside members of the Navy, Air Force, BGB and RAB Special Intervention Force (SIF).

In a technological first for Bangladeshi elections, security teams are utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, and body-worn cameras to monitor polling stations in real-time.

The ballot is exceptionally complex, featuring 1,981 candidates—including 249 independents—vying for parliamentary seats, while the second ballot asks voters for a simple "Yes" or "No" on the "July National Charter."

This charter proposes sweeping reforms, such as a two-term limit for the Prime Minister, the establishment of a bicameral legislature with a 100-member Upper House, and the reinstatement of the neutral Caretaker Government system.

If passed, the newly elected parliament will function as a Constituent Assembly for its first 180 days to codify these changes into law.

Reflecting a commitment to transparency, the number of international observers has more than doubled compared to previous cycles.

Over 394 international observers from 21 countries and major organizations like the Commonwealth, ANFREL and the IRI are on the ground, supported by 55,454 local observers.

Furthermore, this election marks a digital milestone with the introduction of the "Postal Vote BD" app, allowing over 1.5 million expatriate and domestic postal voters to participate.

With a registered voter base of 127,711,893, the Commission anticipates a turnout that could hover around the 55% mark, signaling a high level of engagement in what many call the world's first "Gen Z-inspired" election.

In addition, 5,67,868 Ansar members will be on duty in the elections. A total of 1,922 members of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) will remain on the field on the polling day.

A total of 2,098 executive magistrates and 657 judicial magistrates have been appointed to perform election duties in elections.

According to the EC, 657 judicial magistrates will remain on duty in 299 constituencies to take cognizance of election-related offenses and complete the trial. They are on duty for five days -- two days before the polling, on the election day and two days after the polling from February 10 to February 14.

Since the announcement of the schedule, a total of 1,047 executive magistrates have been appointed across the country to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct.

In addition, 1,051 more executive magistrates have been appointed as per the requirements of the returning officers to maintain overall law and order, prevent offenses and perform duties in coordination with the mobile court and striking force.

However, about 55,454 observers from 81 local organisations will monitor the elections. Of them, 7,997 will observe centrally and 47,457 locally in parliamentary constituencies.

At least 394 international election observers and 197 foreign journalists have arrived in Bangladesh to observe the elections and the referendum.

Of the international observers, 80 represent various international organisations, 239 come from bilateral countries-including independent European observers- and 51 are individuals affiliated with different global institutions, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing said today.

The number of international observers for the 13th general polls is more than double that of the controversial general election held on January 7, 2024.

Key organisations sending observer missions include the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) with 28 observers, the Commonwealth Secretariat with 27, the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) with 19, and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) with one.

Other organisations include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with two observers, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) with two, and the European External Action Service with one.

In addition to the European Union, observers are arriving from 21 countries, including Pakistan (8), Bhutan (2), Sri Lanka (11), Nepal (1), Indonesia (3), the Philippines (2), Malaysia (6), Jordan (2), Turkey (13), Iran (3), Georgia (2), Russia (2), China (3), Japan (4), South Korea (2), Kyrgyzstan (2), Uzbekistan (2), South Africa (2), and Nigeria (4).

Fifty-one observers representing organisations such as Voice for Justice, Democracy International, SNAS Africa, the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, and the Polish Institute of International Affairs will monitor the election in their individual capacities, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Election Commission.

A total of 15,33,684 overseas (OCV) and domestic (ICPV) voters registered to vote in the 13th national election and referendum through the Postal Vote BD mobile app. Of them, 7,72,546 are expatriate voters and 7,61,138 are local (ICPV) voters.

The voting will be held from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm through ballot papers in transparent ballot boxes. If any voters are waiting within the area of polling centres compound after 4:30 pm, their voting will be completed as per the law.

With Inputs from Agencies