If results credible, parties should accept: EU chief observer
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
EU chief election observer Alexander Lambsdorff Monday said political parties should accept the elections if results are credible and advance the country forward, reports UNB.
"We'll closely monitor counting the votes, consolidation and announcement," he told reporters after visiting several polling stations in Dhaka City and Keraniganj as the people of Bangladesh Monday voted in a changed context for a new parliament after two years of emergency.
Lambsdorff found high turnout of enthusiastic voters and process of voting well organised. On the voting atmosphere, he said people voted without fear and intimidation.
The chief observer said they would closely investigate some complaints received by long-term EU observers following their set methodology.
Talking to reporters after observing voting process and talking to election officials at Suritola Primary School centre in Old Dhaka, he said he received information from the EU long-term observers that suggests that the same peaceful situation prevails across the country.
However, Lambsdorff said, the important thing is to see whether the results have reflected the will of the people of Bangladesh.
In reply to a question, he said if the results are credible, political parties should accept it, but "we've not yet stated it is credible".
About allegations of vote buying and irregular practices by some election officials, Lambsdorff said people who have grievances can either make those public with evidence or share with the EU election-observation mission. "We'll see the evidence, analyse and make comments."
He visited Suritola Primary School centre in old Dhaka and Ispahani High School centre in Keranigaj.
The EU has deployed 150 observers across the country to monitor the crucial election and is scheduled to make their preliminary statement on December 31.
"We'll closely monitor counting the votes, consolidation and announcement," he told reporters after visiting several polling stations in Dhaka City and Keraniganj as the people of Bangladesh Monday voted in a changed context for a new parliament after two years of emergency.
Lambsdorff found high turnout of enthusiastic voters and process of voting well organised. On the voting atmosphere, he said people voted without fear and intimidation.
The chief observer said they would closely investigate some complaints received by long-term EU observers following their set methodology.
Talking to reporters after observing voting process and talking to election officials at Suritola Primary School centre in Old Dhaka, he said he received information from the EU long-term observers that suggests that the same peaceful situation prevails across the country.
However, Lambsdorff said, the important thing is to see whether the results have reflected the will of the people of Bangladesh.
In reply to a question, he said if the results are credible, political parties should accept it, but "we've not yet stated it is credible".
About allegations of vote buying and irregular practices by some election officials, Lambsdorff said people who have grievances can either make those public with evidence or share with the EU election-observation mission. "We'll see the evidence, analyse and make comments."
He visited Suritola Primary School centre in old Dhaka and Ispahani High School centre in Keranigaj.
The EU has deployed 150 observers across the country to monitor the crucial election and is scheduled to make their preliminary statement on December 31.