DHAKA, Oct 15, 2023 (BSS) – The US pre-election assessment delegation comprising representatives of its Democratic and Republican parties has called for dialogue to resolve differences among political parties for ensuring a credible and inclusive election in Bangladesh.

   In a statement issued earlier today after their return home, the delegation suggested the proposed dialogue as the number one requisite of a five-point recommendation, which it drafted after talking to different stakeholders including the political parties and the Election Commission in Bangladesh.

  The joint delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) visited Bangladesh from October 8 to 11 for what they said to provide an independent and impartial assessment of electoral preparations for Bangladesh's upcoming 12th parliamentary elections.

The recommendations of the delegation include- moderate rhetoric and engage in open and substantive dialogue on key election issues, protecting freedom of expression and ensuring an open civic space, commitment to nonviolence and holding perpetrators of political violence accountable, creating conditions to allow all parties to engage in meaningful political competition and promoting a culture of inclusive and active electoral participation among citizens.

During the visit the US delegation met with the Prime Minister, ministers, and government officials, Election Commission (EC), political leaders across different spectrum; civil society representatives, representatives of different social groups, religious minorities and media representatives, among others.

In the statement, the delegation observed that Bangladesh has a strong tradition of democratic values buttressed by ideological pluralism, vibrant media, an active civil society, and politically engaged citizens. 

Over the past decades, the country has achieved strong economic growth and showed success successes in economic growth, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and environmental stewardship, it said, adding these achievements set a strong foundation for the country to achieve its 2041 vision of becoming a developed country.

About the electoral context of the 12th parliamentary elections, the delegation observed that election violence has historically been a common problem in Bangladesh.

“Political paralysis and declining trust in democratic processes cast a shadow on this progress and threatens to undermine the economic and development trajectory,” it said.
 
The delegation recognized that it is the people of Bangladesh who will ultimately determine the credibility and legitimacy of their elections and their country’s democratic development. 

“The pre-election statement has been offered in the spirit of supporting and strengthening democratic institutions in Bangladesh,” the delegation said.