EC Faces Challenge to Include 10M Expatriates in Voting

To address this, the EC is considering three key methods—proxy voting, postal ballots, and online voting. Among these, proxy voting has emerged as the most feasible option for engaging Bangladesh’s widespread diaspora.

The issue has gained urgency following a public commitment by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. In a national address on December 16, 2024, he stressed the government’s determination to finally enable expatriate Bangladeshis to participate in elections.

“We have heard many promises in the past. This time, we want to make it happen. A reliable and practical system must be established,” Yunus said.

In line with this directive, the EC has formed a committee led by Election Commissioner Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah to study various balloting systems and recommend the most viable one.

Expat Voter Numbers and Significance

Although precise data is lacking, the EC estimates that approximately 14 million Bangladeshis live abroad in around 40 countries. Based on available data from 44 Bangladeshi missions, about 10 million are believed to be eligible voters. The largest populations are in:

    Saudi Arabia: 4,049,588

    UAE: 2,371,545

    Oman: 1,500,870

    Malaysia: 1,057,056

    Qatar: 808,090

    Singapore: 782,657

    Kuwait: 628,950

    Bahrain: 410,460

    Jordan: 180,563

    Lebanon: 167,086

Others live across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Balloting Systems Under Review

The three options under consideration are:

    Proxy Voting: A designated person votes on behalf of an expatriate.

    Postal Ballot: Voters receive and return ballots via mail.

    Online Voting: Voters cast their ballots through a secure internet platform.

Commissioner Sanaullah noted that postal ballots have proven ineffective, especially in the last election when only 433 votes were cast from within Bangladesh and none from abroad.

As for online voting, he highlighted that it has not been widely adopted globally. Countries like the U.S., the Philippines, Estonia, and Mexico have piloted or explored online voting with limited implementation. In South Asia, India and Pakistan have conducted small-scale trials, but full adoption remains distant.

Proxy Voting: A Realistic Path Forward

Proxy voting stands out as the most practical solution, Commissioner Sanaullah said. It's already used in countries like Australia and the UK and selectively in India, especially for military personnel.

“In Bangladesh, people are already allowed to sell land or transfer property through a power of attorney. Voters with physical disabilities can also cast their vote with assistance,” he explained. “This existing culture supports the proxy system.”

He emphasized that proxy voting could be deployed quickly and allow real-time participation. “This is the only method that can be implemented efficiently within a limited timeframe,” Sanaullah added.

Next Steps: Consultation and Trial

To assess the viability of each option, the EC hosted a workshop on April 7–8, involving experts from Dhaka University, BUET, MIST, NGOs, and former EC officials.

The commission plans to consult political parties and stakeholders before making a final decision. “If there is consensus and acceptance, we will proceed with system development,” said Sanaullah.

He hinted that while proxy voting could be introduced on a broad scale, the EC may also pilot postal and online systems on a limited basis.

Looking Ahead

As Bangladesh prepares for a crucial national election, integrating its massive expatriate population into the electoral process will be a test of both political will and logistical capability. While challenges remain, the EC appears determined to chart a path forward.