Credible elections in Bangladesh meet most key democratic benchmarks

The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Bangladesh has called the parliamentary elections credible, adding that most key democratic benchmarks were met.

HE Mr Cassam Uteem said this represents a crucial step in the continuing effort to strengthen democracy and improve governance in the country.

“It is a time for leaders on all sides to grasp this opportunity and display statesmanship, with political forces, whether they are a future government or opposition, working in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation to address the challenges facing the country.”

Addressing journalists in Dhaka on 31 December, Mr Uteem added: “If the results or process are contested in any Constituency then the stipulated procedures for investigation and adjudication need to be followed.”

Mr Uteem said that because of these elections, democratic life in the country can now be resumed and the parliament re-constituted, nearly two years after the imposition of the State of Emergency.

The Observer Group has been present in Bangladesh since 22 December. The team has met with a range of stakeholders, including the Chief Adviser, the Election Commission, political parties, civil society, media and other observer groups.

For the voting and counting processes Commonwealth Observers were present in all six Divisions of the country, and also co-operated closely with other observers, both national and international, building up a comprehensive picture on the conduct of the electoral process.

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Note to editors:

For media enquiries, please contact Tom Baird at +88 01737 539 622 (Bangladesh mobile), +44 791 246 3744 (UK mobile) or t.baird@commonwealth.int

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• Country Profile: Bangladesh