FE Today Logo
Search date: 03-01-2019 Return to current date: Click here

US, UK, EU urge EC to probe polls ‘irregularities’

FE Report | January 03, 2019 00:00:00


Several Western powers have expressed their concern over the "irregularities" that took place in the 11th parliamentary election in Bangladesh on December 30.

In separate statements received here on Wednesday, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union called upon the Election Commission to address the issue.

They, however, praised the political parties for taking part in the general election.

The issuance of the US statement followed a meeting between US Ambassador Earl Miller and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque at foreign ministry the same day.

"The US commends tens of millions of Bangladeshis who voted in the 11th parliamentary election on December 30," said US State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino.

The US also hailed the decision of all major opposition parties to participate in it, a positive development after the boycotted election of 2014, he added.

"The United States remains deeply invested in the future of Bangladesh and its democratic development. The US is Bangladesh's largest foreign investor, largest single-country market for Bangladeshi exports."

"The US is home to a large community of Americans of Bangladeshi origin," Mr Palladino added.

"...we note with concern credible reports of harassment, intimidation and violence in the pre-election period that made it difficult for many opposition candidates and their supporters to meet, hold rallies and campaign freely."

"We are also concerned that election-day irregularities prevented some people from voting, which undermined faith in the electoral process," the statement said.

"We strongly encourage all parties to refrain from violence and request the Election Commission work constructively with all sides to address claims of irregularities," it added.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service said on Tuesday night participatory polls for the first time in 10 years reflected people's aspirations for democracy.

"Violence has marred the election day, and significant obstacles to a level-playing field remained in place throughout the process and have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote," he added.

"The relevant national authorities should now ensure a proper examination of allegations of irregularities and commit to full transparency in their resolution," asserted a statement.

The EU expects the country to move towards democracy, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and will continue to support the work in the interest of the people, it concluded.

Meanwhile, the UK has urged a full, credible and transparent resolution of all complaints related to the conduct of the elections, said a UK High Commission media release.

FCO Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field commented on the polls.

He said, "While I welcome participation of all opposition parties in these elections, I'm aware of credible accounts of obstacles, including arrests, that constrained or prevented campaigning by opposition."

Mr Field also spoke of his awareness of irregularities in the conduct of elections on polling day that prevented some people from voting.

"I urge a full, credible and transparent resolution of all complaints related to the conduct of the elections," he made the call.

Mr Field deplored acts of intimidation and unlawful violence that took place during campaigning, and was deeply concerned by the incidents that led to so many deaths on polling day.

"My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones," he prayed.

The UK minister termed free, fair, peaceful and participatory elections are essential to any functioning democracy.

It is vital for the government and all parties to work together to address differences and find a way forward in line with the interests of the people, he mentioned.

"We have a broad and important partnership with Bangladesh, and a significant Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK," Mr Field said.

"We will continue to support the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous and democratic future," he added.

[email protected]


Share if you like