Dhaka, Jan 1 – The European Union (EU) has said the mobilisation of voters and the participation of the opposition in Sunday’s elections for the first time in 10 years reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh to democracy. However, it said, violence has marred the election day, and significant obstacles to a level-playing field remained in place throughout the process and have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote.
“The relevant national authorities should now ensure a proper examination of allegations of irregularities and commit to full transparency in their resolution,” said EU spokesperson Maja Kocijancic on Tuesday commenting on parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
The European Union expects the country to move forward towards democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We’ll continue to support the work in this context, in the interest of the people of Bangladesh,” said the spokesperson.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the win of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance in the 11th national election is another victory for the people of the country in December — the month of victory.
Awami League alone secured 259 out of 299 parliamentary seats that went to polls. – UNB
Statements by the EU Spokesperson – text:
Parliamentary elections took place in Bangladesh on 30 December 2018. Preliminary results were communicated by the Bangladesh election commission.
The mobilisation of voters and the participation of the opposition in the elections for the first time in 10 years reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh to democracy. However, violence has marred the election day, and significant obstacles to a level playing field remained in place throughout the process and have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote.
The relevant national authorities should now ensure a proper examination of allegations of irregularities and commit to full transparency in their resolution.
The European Union expects the country to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will continue to support the work in this context, in the interest of the people of Bangladesh.
Maja KOCIJANCIC, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations
