By-elections acceptable

The Election Working Group (EWG) in a statement yesterday said that despite some isolated incidents at some centres, the parliamentary by-elections on April 2 were conducted in a manner consistent with international standards of freedom, fairness and security.
EWG deployed a total of 488 stationary observers at 247 centres of the six constituencies where by-elections were held.
Ninety-nine percent of the EWG observers reported that no major irregularities took place in the polling centres, says a press release.
However, EWG observed that the voter turnout was low and there were illegal campaigning outside the polling stations at some locations.
The statement added that EWG men were injured in clashes between rival political parties that were attempting to influence voters and polling in the vicinity of MR High School centre of Nepaltali union in Bogra-7 constituency.
Besides, at six polling centres of Kishoreganj-6 constituency, the presence of unauthorised persons without proper election official, party agent or observer accreditation was observed.
The EWG appreciates the high level of coordination between the local administration and the BEC during the by-elections and believes that such coordination effectively contributed to reduced electoral irregularities.
EWG hopes that continued coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, especially the administration and the BEC, will continue to contribute to strengthening democracy and democratic practices in Bangladesh.