EU poll observers’ chief urges parties

European Union Election Observer Mission chief Alexander Graf Lambsdroff has urged upon the political parties to substantiate their doubts about neutrality of the Election Commission or conspiracies to foil the December 29 elections with evidence and documents.

"I would call on parties to refrain from making such allegations without evidence…Such unsubstantiated allegations will only discredit the election administration,'' he said at a meet-the-reporters programme organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in its conference room.

Lambsdorff invited the parties to share their allegations with evidence with the EU Election Observer Mission (EOM) so that they can follow it up with the Election Commission.

In reply to a question, he said that the present security situation in Bangladesh does not obstruct the upcoming elections.

"I believe all can participate in the election process without fear for safety…Generally speaking, security situation at this point of time poses no obstacle to having a free and fair election," he said.

Lambsdorff, who is also a member of the European Parliament, welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency on December 17 as a positive step to create sound climate for electioneering by political parties without any restrictions.

On deployment of the army from Saturday, he said the armed forces are to be used only for maintaining law and order and security purposes so that it does not contradict election process in line with the international standard.

Asked about possible intimidation of voters in the wake of the deployment of the army, he said his observation was that none had expressed that kind of fear.

Replying to a question Lambsdorff said "People will expect losing side, whoever may be, has to accept the results. In the next elections they may emerge as winners."

Asked about his comment about reinstatement of candidates by courts at the last moments, Lambdorff said the courts being independent were to address the grievances of individuals and at the same time they needed to take into account the interest of the society at large.

The EU will deploy some 150 observers on the Election Day, the largest deployment by an international organization, to monitor the polls.

The EU core team and long-term observers are already working across the country, he said, adding that short-term observers will be here on December 24.

About 950 or more number of vulnerable polling stations in remote places he said the authorities must protect these centres so that people could go to vote without fear and return home safe.

Asked about the possibility of neutral voting in certain seats where relations of the incumbent army chief are contesting the polls, he said the authorities needed to handle the matter with a very conscientious manner when relatives of army commanders are in the race.

About the situation of the minority voters, Lambsdorff said he visited a Bihari camp in Mymensingh where he found the Biharis living in a very bad condition but they felt happy that they would be able to vote and participate in the political process.

"We're encouraged by what we've seen-that the minority voters can engage them in the election process," he said.

Asked about lofty promises being made by political parties to woo voters, he said in countries like Bangladesh politicians make so many pledges but they are not here to oversee the election pledges by the parties. It is the role of the media, which are vibrant and impressive, to scrutinize whether these pledges could be implemented.

DRU president Shamim Ahmad presided over the press-interaction session while general secretary Pathik Shaha delivered the welcome address.