US commends EC's roadmap, urges lifting ban on politics
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
The United States (US) commended the Election Commission (EC) for releasing a roadmap to general election in Bangladesh but said a specific, time-bound goal to hold credible elections is the best way to generate momentum in restoring democracy in the country.
A spokesman for the US Embassy in the city Monday said responding to a query about the EC's poll roadmap, reports UNB.
"We believe that setting a specific, time-bound goal to hold credible elections is the best way to generate-and sustain-the momentum necessary to restore democracy in Bangladesh", the US Embassy spokesman said.
"The US Embassy has consistently underscored the importance of dialogue in the election-preparation process, and we urge the lifting of the ban on politics as soon as possible to enable dialogue and promote transparency", the spokesman said.
He said they would support the caretaker government's "timely and concerted efforts to make this roadmap a reality".
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) has also welcomed the announcement of a 'more detailed' roadmap as a demonstration of commitment to the goal of holding the stalled general election in Bangladesh.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission in the city said, "credible elections that can sustain democracy in Bangladesh in the longer term" are essential for this country. "The UK stands ready to offer practical support."
A spokesman for the US Embassy in the city Monday said responding to a query about the EC's poll roadmap, reports UNB.
"We believe that setting a specific, time-bound goal to hold credible elections is the best way to generate-and sustain-the momentum necessary to restore democracy in Bangladesh", the US Embassy spokesman said.
"The US Embassy has consistently underscored the importance of dialogue in the election-preparation process, and we urge the lifting of the ban on politics as soon as possible to enable dialogue and promote transparency", the spokesman said.
He said they would support the caretaker government's "timely and concerted efforts to make this roadmap a reality".
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) has also welcomed the announcement of a 'more detailed' roadmap as a demonstration of commitment to the goal of holding the stalled general election in Bangladesh.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission in the city said, "credible elections that can sustain democracy in Bangladesh in the longer term" are essential for this country. "The UK stands ready to offer practical support."