Secretary-General reiterates call for peaceful electoral process

on eve of parliamentary elections in bangladesh

 

The following statement was issued on Saturday, 27 December, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On the eve of Bangladesh’s highly significant parliamentary elections on 29 December 2008, the Secretary-General reiterates his call for a peaceful electoral process.  He appeals to all political parties to continue to demonstrate responsibility, participate fully and honour the will of the Bangladeshi people.  The Secretary-General encourages the Caretaker Government and the Election Commission to continue their efforts to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

The Secretary-General wishes to stress that a stable post-election climate will be vital for the effectiveness and sustainability of the nation’s democracy.  He urges all political parties, irrespective of their performance in the elections, to work together in a spirit of dialogue and compromise, to address the challenges facing the nation.  Such cooperation should include an enhanced role for the opposition in Parliament.

The Secretary General’s high-level panel for the parliamentary elections is visiting Bangladesh for a second time and will report to the Secretary-General on the conduct of the electoral process and developments in the immediate post-election period.

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For information media • not an official record