'Unsubstantiated' charges vex EU
European Union (EU) election observation mission chief Alexander Graf Lamsdroff yesterday urged the political parties to refrain from making 'unsubstantiated' allegations against the election administration as it might harm the polls process.
He hoped that the parties would participate in the upcoming parliamentary election with a 'positive attitude' and accept the poll results.
Lamsdroff was giving a talk at Dhaka Reporters Unity following a meeting with the chief adviser.
“If someone makes an allegation, it has to be substantiated with documents. Unsubstantiated allegations will not serve interest of the people, ” the EU chef observer said in reply to a question about BNP's allegation of 'conspiracy' by the election administration.
“The comments delivered over election administration have no factual evidence to support such observations. I hope all political parties will participate in the election with a positive attitude to hold a free and fair election,” said Lamsdroff.
He said he is convinced that the EC is working sincerely to have everything in order. It faces huge workload as it is taking preparations for both national and upazila elections.
Lamsdroff hailed lifting of the state of emergency and said deployment of army to help ensure a congenial atmosphere for polls is a constructive effort that does not contradict international norms.
“It is the responsibility of all sides to accept election result. The loosing side has to accept it as in the next election they can be the winning side,” he observed.
Replying to another question over violation of election code of conduct by candidates, he urged all concerned to substantiate such violations and to share the information with the EU mission.
“An atmosphere ensuring people's participation in election process without fear has been created, " he said responding to a query.
A total of 150 EU observers will visit polling centres across the country on voting day.
They will strictly monitor whether minority communities, indigenous people and non-Muslims can cast votes freely.
The EU chief observer urged the authorities to take special measures to ensure a congenial atmosphere at the 950 vulnerable polling centres.
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