26,000 observers to monitor election

More than 26,000 election observers, including 163 from foreign organisations and missions, will monitor the 11th general election today (Sunday), reports UNB.
Among them, 25,900 observers from 81 local organisations will monitor the elections, according to a fact sheet of the Election Commission.
Among 163 observers from foreign organisations and missions, 38 foreign nationals are from different international organisations including FAMBoSA, AAEA, OIC and Commonwealth, 64 from diplomatic or foreign missions and 61 Bangladeshi nationals from foreign organisations, missions and High Commissions stationed in Bangladesh.
This time the number of observers is lesser than that of the year 2008, when election was held amid participation of all major political parties.
More than 150,000 local and 600 foreign observers monitored the 2008 general election while over 200,000 local and 225 foreign observers monitored the 2001 general elections.