6 int’l civic, human rights orgs urge fresh neutral polls

Vote casting. Photo collected.

Six international civic and human rights groups in a joint statement on Friday called on Bangladesh authorities to hold a free, fair, participatory and inclusive fresh election under a neutral interim government, and also called for releasing all political prisoners held over the months.

They also questioned the legitimacy of the 41.8 per cent voter turnout’s official figure on January 7 elections, reported by the Election Commission,  saying that reports and eyewitness accounts from various polling stations across the country paint a contrasting reality.

‘We strongly call upon the government of Bangladesh to take steps to hold a free, fair, participatory, and inclusive fresh election, with political consensus from all parties, under an impartial election management body and under a neutral interim government administration,’ said the joint statement.

Asian Network for Free Elections, better known as ANFREL, World Alliance for Citizen Participation, better known as CIVICUS, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Asian Democracy Network, Capital Punishment Justice Project in Australia and Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network jointly made the statement.

They said that the elections were neither genuine nor competitive and raised questions about its adherence to democratic principles and international election standards.

‘Numerous reports and evidence point to widespread irregularities in the lead-up to and on the election day, including voter suppression and manipulation of results, which severely undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.’

The citizens of Bangladesh deserve an electoral process that is transparent, accountable and reflective of their collective will, and one that is respected and trusted by all parties, the statement reads.