Emergency inconsistent with normal elections

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma has said the state of emergency is “inconsistent” with a normal electoral process and favoured its lifting before the election.
“We've conveyed our position that it is inconsistent with normal elections. Obviously, it would be desirable for us if it is lifted,” he told a media conference at Sonargaon Hotel yesterday evening after holding meetings with the caretaker government and the Election Commission.
In reply to a question, Sharma said he has not received any response from the government during his discussions regarding the lifting of the emergency. But, he said if it is the government policy that is for the government to share with the people.
He said the Commonwealth Secretariat will send an election-assessment mission on November 8 or 9 to talk to stakeholders, including parties, election officials, media and civil society, to assess the pre-election situation. Later, an election observation mission will be coming to monitor the polls.
Sharma welcomed the assertions that the elections are taking place on December 18 and said, “It is important that the caretaker government and the election commission will together ensure that the elections take place in a climate of peace and security.”
The chief executive of the Commonwealth praised the developments that political parties are holding dialogue with the Election Commission and caretaker government on the preparations for elections. “This dialogue should ensure that any concerns can be addressed.”
Asked about some concerns about former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina's participation in the elections, he said the Commonwealth position is that electoral laws should be uniform and consistent. He hoped that the Election Commission is going to announce the electoral laws in early November.
In reply to a question, Sharma said, “Our role is to assist the intent of the government to have a transparent election.”
Asked if the Commonwealth would take any actions as taken against Pakistan or Zimbabwe if elections are not held in Bangladesh, Sharma said any such action is taken by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group after scrutiny of the situation.
Welcoming the election roadmap, Sharma said, “The stage is set for the people of Bangladesh to decide once again who should govern them. This is a sacred trust that each voter must discharge.”
He noted that the features of genuine democracy are about the institutions and processes of good governance: An independent election commission, a representative and effective parliament, an independent judiciary, an efficient executive and impartial national body to protect human rights.
Sharma said it is equally important to develop culture of democracy together with values of tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, transparency, integrity and accountability.
The secretary general welcomed the decision to create an Independent Human Rights Commission and said as soon as the human rights commissioners will be appointed, Commonwealth will share its experience with them.
He also praised the Right to Information Act and Local Government Commission.