Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge has been selected as one of the ten members forming the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) set to monitor the upcoming elections in Bangladesh this Sunday.
The Commonwealth, through a notice dated December 27, 2023, identified Ms. Njoroge as part of the observer team. The team also comprises nine other individuals from various member states across the globe.
Appointed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, this team will be led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
“The team’s deployment showcases the Commonwealth’s ongoing dedication to bolstering electoral democracy across our 56 member nations and safeguarding the rights of the people participating in these crucial Bangladesh elections…” Ms. Scotland emphasized
CET Chairman Mr. Golding echoed this sentiment, stating, “I am delighted to collaborate with this expert team, which, in line with tradition, brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds and countries. As we carry out our responsibilities in Bangladesh, our commitment remains steadfast towards objectivity, transparency, and independence.”
Njoroge is a prominent media figure and communication expert. She has a longstanding association with former the former Kenya administration led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The CET’s agenda includes engaging with multiple stakeholders such as political parties, law enforcement, civil society groups, citizen observers, media representatives, among others.
Supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s staff, the team will aim to ensure strict adherence to all facets of the election process.
Democracy in Bangladesh on the cross
Over 170 million citizens will be expected to exercise their democratic right by voting in the upcoming election in Bangladesh, scheduled for Sunday, January 07.
However, the election has raised concerns among rights groups regarding its potential impact on the country’s democracy.
The incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the leader of the Awami Party, stands poised to secure a fourth consecutive term.
Hasina has held power since 2009 and previously won the 2019 election. However, this particular election was marred by violent incidents and allegations of electoral manipulation.
Khaleda Zia, the former prime minister and head of the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had been imprisoned on corruption charges a year earlier.
Zia, aged 78, currently lives under house arrest, and her party faces increasing challenges from Hasina’s ruling party, including widespread arrests of its members.
This political climate has sparked protests, leading the BNP to once again boycott the upcoming election, effectively paving the way for Hasina’s continuation in power.
