US-based NDI reports

Dialogue could lead to credible election

Dialogue could lead to credible election

Washington, Oct 21 (Just News): Bangladesh has several fundamental elements in place for holding credible elections, but some measures need to be taken to address concerns about the election

The US-based NGO National Democratic Institute (NDI), has said that the government and opposition parties in Bangladesh should enter into dialogue to reach the conditions necessary for holding peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.

In a statement issued to the press, NDI said Bangladesh has several fundamental elements in place for holding credible elections, but some measures need to be taken to address concerns about the election.

An international pre-election delegation of NDI visited Bangladesh earlier this month. From October 5 to 11, the delegation met with officials in the Prime Minister’s office, political leaders from across the spectrum, the Election Commission, civil society members, media, former government officials; business leaders and representatives of the international and diplomatic communities.

Bangladesh has a longstanding tradition of political pluralism, vibrant media and active civil society, growing youth activism, and less public tolerance for violence, the delegation said in the statement.

“However, the polls will take place amid a high degree of political polarization, heightened tensions, and shrinking political space. The delegation heard significant concerns from election observers, the media, and opposition representatives about the Election Commission’s plans to deploy electronic voting machines (EVMs),” it said.

Women and youth continue to face significant barriers to full participation in the electoral process. In addition, media representatives and civil society, including citizen election observers, report intimidation by law enforcement bodies, it said.

“Arrests of political activists and critics of the government, as well as the passage of the controversial Digital Security Act, is fueling grave concerns that democratic values are being eroded and free expression circumscribed,” it added.

“The upcoming elections provide a critical opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to a democratic and competitive political process. The delegation believes that, if the government and opposition parties enter into a genuine dialogue, an agreement could be reached on the conditions necessary for holding peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections in which all political parties can compete on a more level playing field.”

Such an agreement could help forge a new national consensus, the delegation said, and reaffirm Bangladesh’s long-standing commitment to democracy, and continue the nation’s impressive economic and social development.

Other key recommendations by the delegation:

-the government should publicly pledge noninterference in the Election Commission’s work;

-the government should send a clear message to law enforcement bodies to refrain from intimidating party activists, civil society, and media representatives;

-political parties should address several barriers to women’s participation, including greater investment in recruiting and supporting women for single-mandate races; and

-political parties, civil society, and the Election Commission should engage youth more substantively to harness their activism into formal channels of electoral participation.

 

(Justnews/ys/1310hr)