Election monitors belonging to the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) reported that the voting process during the 13th national polls and referendum was predominantly characterized by a festive, orderly, and peaceful atmosphere. The monitors visited a total of 414 polling booths spread across all eight divisions of the country, encompassing both rural and urban areas, which accounted for 71 percent of the nation’s 64 districts. ANFREL stated that nearly 90 percent of the reports from its observers indicated no irregularities in the general voting procedures.
Nevertheless, the organization highlighted the absence of ramps and wheelchair access at most polling stations, posing challenges for individuals with disabilities and elderly voters in terms of mobility. The observers also observed concerning activities, such as voter identification desks operated by political parties distributing voter slips near certain polling stations, raising fears of potential vote-buying.
In a post-election statement, ANFREL acknowledged that while most centers opened in an organized manner, some experienced minor delays that hindered the timely entry of polling agents and observers. This situation led to tensions and, in isolated cases, physical altercations between representatives of different political parties.
ANFREL mentioned that 94 percent of the observed polling stations closed punctually without any reported incidents disrupting the process. The counting of votes proceeded smoothly overall, except for two centers where polling agents raised concerns. Additionally, over 50 percent of ANFREL observers noted that presiding officers failed to announce the serial numbers while opening ballot boxes. Approximately one-third of the observers reported a lack of CCTV surveillance at counting centers, and 30 percent highlighted that presiding officers did not ensure the separate counting of parliamentary and referendum ballots.
The security arrangements throughout the electoral process were extensive and prominently visible, according to ANFREL. On a separate note, election observers from the European Union and the Commonwealth attested to a high level of voter turnout and peaceful proceedings during the elections. The European Union Election Observation Mission, which deployed 200 observers nationwide, noted positive enthusiasm among voters until midday.
Ivars Ijabs, the chief observer of the mission, emphasized the importance of the election as an opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. He mentioned that most polling stations opened on schedule, and the voting process transpired peacefully. The European Union mission plans to release preliminary findings soon, followed by a comprehensive report within two months.
Similarly, the Commonwealth described the election as the most extensive democratic exercise of the year 2026, both within the Commonwealth and globally. Nana Akufo-Addo, chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group, highlighted the comprehensive monitoring of the entire electoral process, including the management of results. This election also saw the participation of diaspora voters from 122 countries for the first time, alongside a simultaneous referendum on constitutional reforms.
The Commonwealth deployed observers to the eight divisions two days before the vote to evaluate preparations and engage with local stakeholders. They intend to issue a preliminary report shortly. As per the Chief Adviser’s Office, a total of 394 international observers and 197 foreign journalists were present on the ground to monitor and report on the election and referendum proceedings.
