NDI for lifting state of emergency
Thursday, 20 November 2008
FE Report
The National Democratic Institute (NDI), a US-based organisation, Wednesday in Dhaka said the Bangladesh government should lift the state of emergency and the military should refrain from intervening in the political and electoral processes.
"Military intervention in the political process is not acceptable in the democratic world," said visiting NDI team leader Sam Gejdenson, also a former US congressman.
We did not get any indication that the army will intervene in the political process in future, he said at a press briefing in the city completing a four-day mission in Bangladesh.
The NDI delegation arrived Dhaka on November 16 and met officials of different ministries, election commission, leaders of political parties, members of the civil society, journalists and international community people.
"People are now waiting for casting votes for a smooth transition of power to the democratic government. I hope broader participation of all political parties will ensure a fruitful election," said Mr. Gejdenson, presently an NDI board member.
He said: "We feel that there are all elements here for holding a good election. An important opportunity will be lost if the transition back to the elected government is not sustained through more accountable and modern political organisations capable of gaining the people's trust."
The NDI mission head said if the elections fail to gain public confidence it could lead to erosion of the nation's democratic institutions and further entrench the role of military in governing the country.
The delegation hoped that the army-backed caretaker government and the political parties can quickly resolve the outstanding issues so that the elections are as inclusive as possible, Mr. Gejdenson said.
The National Democratic Institute (NDI), a US-based organisation, Wednesday in Dhaka said the Bangladesh government should lift the state of emergency and the military should refrain from intervening in the political and electoral processes.
"Military intervention in the political process is not acceptable in the democratic world," said visiting NDI team leader Sam Gejdenson, also a former US congressman.
We did not get any indication that the army will intervene in the political process in future, he said at a press briefing in the city completing a four-day mission in Bangladesh.
The NDI delegation arrived Dhaka on November 16 and met officials of different ministries, election commission, leaders of political parties, members of the civil society, journalists and international community people.
"People are now waiting for casting votes for a smooth transition of power to the democratic government. I hope broader participation of all political parties will ensure a fruitful election," said Mr. Gejdenson, presently an NDI board member.
He said: "We feel that there are all elements here for holding a good election. An important opportunity will be lost if the transition back to the elected government is not sustained through more accountable and modern political organisations capable of gaining the people's trust."
The NDI mission head said if the elections fail to gain public confidence it could lead to erosion of the nation's democratic institutions and further entrench the role of military in governing the country.
The delegation hoped that the army-backed caretaker government and the political parties can quickly resolve the outstanding issues so that the elections are as inclusive as possible, Mr. Gejdenson said.