There are many countries in the world other than the ones in the European Union, and they may send observers for Bangladesh's national election, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir said yesterday.

The Election Commission will invite observers from the Saarc countries next month, he told reporters at his office.

The EU last week informed the EC that it would not send a fully-fledged mission to observe the national election here.

"Based on the recommendations of the exploratory mission -- and taking into consideration the budget for EU Election Observation Missions for 2023/2024 -- High Representative Josep Borrell has decided not to deploy a fully-fledged EU Election Observation Mission," reads a letter EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley sent to the EC.

"The High Representative's decision reflects the fact that, at the present time, it is not sufficiently clear whether the necessary conditions will be met at the point in time when the elections take place."

Alamgir yesterday said the EU had informed that it would send a small team of observers.

"But it's not the final word. They may later change their mind and send a full mission," he added.

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

As per the guidelines the EC issued yesterday, individuals or organisations must have work experience in good governance, elections, democracy, peace building, and human rights in order to be observers.

The organisations should be registered with the authorities of their countries, add the guidelines.

The observers must submit their election observation reports by email or in print to the EC secretary within 30 days after the polling day.

The reports should be based on observations made before, during, and after the polls.

The observers should ensure that the observations and reporting are impartial, objective and reflect the highest standards of accuracy.

Individuals and entities willing to be the observers are required to apply to the EC for accreditation.

Applications from individuals convicted of an electoral offence, fraud or dishonest conduct will not be considered by the EC.

The EC last month began amending the 2018 guidelines for international observers.