UN assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco was right to ask the prime minister on Saturday if the polls-schedule can be deferred.
The UN envoy has been meeting with leaders of the AL, BNP and Jatiya party, as well as with civil society representatives in order to seek a deal to increase participation ahead of the elections, currently scheduled for January 5.
We welcome his question. Every effort should be made to end the deadlock and increase participation in the elections. The polls need to be seen to be fair and free and increasing participation will help to ensure this outcome.
The constitution allows room to extend the time limits for holding an election, so there is no need to be rigid about the January 5 date. Potentially, an election can be held under the Constitution up to 90 days from January 24, so there is still time available to negotiate a compromise that is supported by all parties.
Some AL leaders have responded positively to the question of showing flexibility on the election date. We hope that all parties can take advantage of Mr Taranco’s visit to use the possibility of extending the election timetable, in order to reach agreement.