A high-power delegation of the European Union (EU) will meet the Election Commission (EC) to examine the challenges of holding the 10th parliamentary election in Bangladesh. The delegation will particularly want to know measures taken by the EC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. The delegation, now in Dhaka, will also hold talks with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (USA) and the Election Working Group (EWG), the domestic election observer group, on September 12, to exchange views in this regard.
“The EU team is here to assess the real situation here regarding a ‘level playing field’ for all political parties; to examine the challenges of holding the next election; to examine whether the country is ‘safe’ for foreign observers; and to exchange views with the EC to help organise a free, fair and inclusive election,” JANIPOP chairman Prof. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah told The Independent.
Kalimullah said the EU team would submit an assessment report to their highest body, which, in turn, would frame future guidelines for foreign observers. “We, local observers, will also hold talks with the EC to meet our demand,” he added..
The EC is also planning to meet other donors and diplomats to frame guidelines for foreign observers, according to sources. It has issued guidelines for both foreign and domestic election observers under Section 91C of the RPO.
“The minimum age of 25 years, for example, poses a challenge in recruitment of election observers. This requirement is unjustified, especially when the voting age is 18. Although the age accepted internationally is 18-25, we want to make it 18,” JANIPOP chairman said.
Kalimullah also demanded that the election be monitored by a “stationary observer”, along with mobile observers.
The Ninth general election was observed by 177,107 local and foreign observers.
-With The Independent input
