Leader of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh said in Dhaka yesterday that his delegation would assist 'in whatever ways we can’ in supporting the electoral and constitutional process in the country, reports UNB.

Former Malaysian Foreign Minister Tan Siri Ghazali Shafie. as Chairman of the group, is leading the 12-mem-oer Commonwealth team, which arrived on Tuesday at the invitation of the government. to observe the proceedings of the June 12 election.

"The group s objective is to observe the organisation and conduct of the election in ac cordance with the laws of Bangladesh and to form impartial judgement based upon our observations." Shafie told a press conference at a local hotel yesterday morning.

Responding to. a query, he "aid supervise

the polls, nor interfere into the internal affairs of Bangladesh."

The delegation leader said that on completion of their task, they will present a report to the Commonwealth Secretary General. Chief Emeka Anyaoku

The Secretary General, he added, will make the report available to the Bangladesh government and to the political parties participating in the elections, and thereafter to all other Commonwealth govern ments.

Shafie said, in carrying out the mission, they would remain in close touch with the major political parties, the Election Commission, and others involved In the election exercise.

"We look forward to being briefed on the preparations in hand, and to travelling to many parts of the country before and on polling day. he added.