UN, EU for probe into election anomalies
The United Nations has called for a probe into the allegations of irregularities in Dhaka and Chittagong city corporation polls by the competent authorities.
The European Union has made a similar call, urging all parties to shun violence.
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon encouraged the competent authorities to investigate all the allegations and the opposition to use the democratic institutions to express its concerns, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief.
He was addressing the daily press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Responding to a query, Farhan said the secretary general was aware of the BNP's decision to boycott the Dhaka and Chittagong city polls amid allegations of electoral fraud.
“He [Ban] appeals to all parties to express their differences through peaceful means,” the spokesman said, adding that the secretary general reiterated his call on all political leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the current situation.
On April 4 and 22, Ban said he was encouraged by the opposition's decision to participate in the city corporation polls and appealed to the authorities in all relevant institutions to ensure that the elections would be transparent, inclusive, and credible.
Expressing disappointment over the city corporation polls held on Tuesday, the US and the UK have called for a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into the allegations of election irregularities.
THE EU STATEMENT
In a statement yesterday, the EU spokesperson urged all concerned to engage in a constructive manner for the long-term stability and democratic development of the country.
On the city elections, it said, “There are credible reports that vote-rigging, intimidation and violence have marred the elections in Dhaka and Chittagong on 28 April, despite the calls from the international community to peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”
The BNP made a late decision to boycott these elections. Voters were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice, said the statement.
“Irregularities and acts of violence must now be thoroughly investigated. The EU expects all political actors to refrain from violence, de-escalate tensions and engage in a constructive manner for the long-term stability and democratic development of Bangladesh,” the spokesperson said.
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