Bangladesh expats win means to vote – could they sway the next election?

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Long overlooked in Bangladesh’s electoral system, millions of expatriates – including migrant workers who underpin the nation’s economy – will be able to vote in national elections for the first time, as the country’s Election Commission moves to finally ensure their participation in the democratic process.

The Election Commission estimates that about 15 million Bangladeshi expatriates, including migrant workers, live in the Gulf, Europe, the Americas and Southeast Asia – accounting for more than 10 percent of the country’s total electorate.

To facilitate their participation, the Election Commission will launch postal ballots, supported by an app called Postal Vote BD. This is one of several moves to reform key state institutions, including the electoral, judicial, a