In a joint press conference held at the VIP lounge of the Dhaka National Press Club, prominent international observers from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Norway, and Japan unanimously declared the 12th National Parliament election in Bangladesh as free, fair, and impartial. The press conference, named “Meet the Press,” took place on Monday, January 8, 2014, at 11:30 a.m.
Led by Former US Congressman Mr. Jim Bates, election observer US political analyst Terry L. Easley, and US White House National Security Council (NSC) Chief of Staff Alexander Burton Gray, the observation team expressed their satisfaction with the electoral process. Observers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Norway, Japan, Maldives, Nepal, and Thailand were also present during the announcement.
You can also watch the full Video: “Meet the Press” – Election Insights from Foreign Election Observers
During the press conference, Alexander Burton Gray provided insights into the observation process, stating that the team divided into three groups and observed a total of 20 polling stations in Dhaka and surrounding areas on Sunday. The polling hours were from 8 am to 4 pm. Gray highlighted that the election process in Bangladesh resembled that of other countries globally.
He acknowledged that while some political parties chose to abstain from the election, the non-participation did not significantly impact the overall positive atmosphere of the election. Gray emphasized that during interactions with voters at the observed centers, no obstacles to voting were reported, and there was no intimidation by participating candidates or parties. This, according to Gray, bodes well for democracy and voting rights.
While addressing incidents of clashes between government party candidates, independents, and supporters of other parties, Gray noted that these occurrences were isolated and, in the grand scheme, insignificant.
Terry L. Easley also spoke during the press conference, congratulating the people of Bangladesh on the successful election. He commended the interest and enthusiasm of the common people in exercising their right to vote and expressed satisfaction with the turnout of women voters.
The press conference featured the attendance of several other international dignitaries, including Mr. Seyed Ali Zahir, Member of Parliament and former Minister and Deputy Leader- of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Mr. Javier Piedra, former Acting Assistant Administrator for South Asia (USAID) and Special Correspondent of Asia Times, from the USA, Mr. Emmanuel Finndoro-Obasi, Chairman of the Conservative Commonwealth Association & Director, Africa House London, From the UK. Mr. Richard Semitego, Director, Africa House London, From the UK, Mr. Jun Shindo President of the International Development Cooperation Organization (IDCO), Japan, Mr. Amjad Musthafa, Chairman, the Association of Democracy & Electoral Link (ADEL) also the Former Vice president of The Election Commission of Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Aaidh Mohamed, Vice Chairman, Association of Democracy & Electoral Link (ADEL), from the Maldives, Mr. Samim Miya Ansari, President of Muslim Commission, Nepal, Mr. Mohamadin Ali, Member of Muslim Commission, Nepal, Mr. Snehasis Sur, President of Kolkata Press Club, India, Mrs. Jurapas Pitaksethakarn, Founder, IDCO and Chief and Head of Mission South Asia & Middle East, International Human Rights Observer, from Thailand, Ms. Talar Mahmood Kareem, Humanitarian Worker, Alliance for Humanity from Iraq.
In summary, the international observers lauded the democratic process of the 12th National Parliament election in Bangladesh, expressing overall satisfaction with the fairness and impartiality of the electoral proceedings. The observers extended their congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for their active participation, with a special mention of the encouraging turnout of women voters.
