JANIPOP observes 4 city corpns, 3 municipalities polls
FE Report | Wednesday, 6 August 2008
JANIPOP, Jatiya Nirbachon Parjobekkhon Parishad (National Election Observation Council), has observed four city corporations and three municipalities by deploying 399 mobile observers under the leadership of its chairman Prof Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah.
From its long-term and Election Day observations covering the campaign period through the closing of poll, JANIPOP said that the local body polls have been held in a largely free, fair, peaceful, impartial and credible manner.
Compared to past elections in Bangladesh, the regularity of events was promising for the anticipated December 2008 parliamentary polls and inspires confidence in the Electoral Roadmap and the electoral officials implementing it. JANIPOP hoped that these local level elections would be treated as a learning experience for the candidates, political parties, Election Commission and also election monitors as we look forward.
Through JANIPOP's pre-election observations in the 4 city corporation areas, it has been revealed that the BEC new guidelines and electoral laws have been effective to a large extent in controlling the unhealthy campaign practices of the candidates. However, the role of money in campaigns behind the scenes remains strong. Compared to previous election periods, very little election violence has taken place. In fact the state of emergency played the pivotal role in minimising the electoral violence even though it was eased during the campaign days.
On the Election Day the attendance of the voters to the polling centres were satisfactory. However, voters in all electoral areas expressed their dismay, as they could not use National ID Cards with photographs.
From its long-term and Election Day observations covering the campaign period through the closing of poll, JANIPOP said that the local body polls have been held in a largely free, fair, peaceful, impartial and credible manner.
Compared to past elections in Bangladesh, the regularity of events was promising for the anticipated December 2008 parliamentary polls and inspires confidence in the Electoral Roadmap and the electoral officials implementing it. JANIPOP hoped that these local level elections would be treated as a learning experience for the candidates, political parties, Election Commission and also election monitors as we look forward.
Through JANIPOP's pre-election observations in the 4 city corporation areas, it has been revealed that the BEC new guidelines and electoral laws have been effective to a large extent in controlling the unhealthy campaign practices of the candidates. However, the role of money in campaigns behind the scenes remains strong. Compared to previous election periods, very little election violence has taken place. In fact the state of emergency played the pivotal role in minimising the electoral violence even though it was eased during the campaign days.
On the Election Day the attendance of the voters to the polling centres were satisfactory. However, voters in all electoral areas expressed their dismay, as they could not use National ID Cards with photographs.