The European Union regrets that the people of Bangladesh were not given an opportunity to fully express their democratic choice in the 10th parliamentary election on January 5.
“The EU has repeatedly called on all parties to create favourable conditions for transparent, inclusive and credible elections. The High Representative, therefore, regrets the fact that such conditions did not materialise and that the people of Bangladesh were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice,” EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
The 10th parliamentary election was held on January 5 and the US, the UK, the United Nations, the Commonwealth, France, Germany and Canada have expressed discontent over the polls, where candidates were elected unopposed in more than half of the 300 seats and voter turnout was low.
The High Representative has taken note of the preliminary results and of reports of low turnout for the 10th Parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on 5 January, said the statement.
Ashton strongly condemns the acts of violence which occurred in the run-up to and during the elections; particularly attacks on the most vulnerable populations.
“The EU urges all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in genuine dialogue to agree on a mutually acceptable way forward to strengthen democratic accountability and to hold transparent, inclusive and credible elections, putting the interests of the people of Bangladesh first.”
On December 20, European Union said that it would not deploy any election observers.
On November 30, it issued the statement which stated: “The EU remains concerned that there is still confrontation between the major political groups in the country on the composition of the government during the electoral period.”
“The EU calls on the leaders of all political parties to agree on a mutually acceptable formula so as to facilitate the holding of elections which fully reflect the wishes of the people. It welcomes the efforts of those who have been working to achieve this.”
Meanwhile, China said it hoped that parties in Bangladesh can realise political stability through talks and negotiation after its parliamentary election, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua yesterday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said: “We noted that Bangladesh’s parliamentary election had been completed on Jan 5. As a friendly neighbour of Bangladesh, China is concerned about the country’s national situation.”
China hopes political forces in Bangladesh can give priority to national long-term and fundamental interests, and hold talks and consultation in efforts to realize political and social stability, as well as economic development, he said at a press-briefing.
Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Yun-young said his country hoped for an inclusive political process to overcome the current situation and restore peace and stability.