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NDI hopes for quick solution to poll disputes

Staff Correspondent
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) yesterday hoped that the caretaker government and the political parties will be able to quickly resolve any outstanding issues in order to ensure a participatory general election
It said if the elections fail to gain the confidence of the people, they could lead to a continued erosion of the nation’s democratic institutions.
A three-member delegation of the US-based organisation read out the observations at a press conference at Hotel Westin in the citv
"The delegation recommends first and foremost that the state of emergency should be lifted as soon as possible and the military accept its proper role in a democratic society and refrain from intervening in the political and electoral process." the NDI
statement said.
The NDI team held the press conference after meeting with government and electoral officials, political parties, civil society leaders, journalists and the international community, from November 16 through 19.
Delegation member and former US Congressman Sam Gejdenson said the government shouldGtt»Tittiriley'dialogue with the political parties and the Election Commission to ensure broad participation in the upcomingelection.
"The interruption of the democratic process in Bangladesh was a tragedy for the nation and a return to democratic rule as soon as possible is imperative." he read out the statement.
An imponant opportunity will be lost if the transition back to an elected government is not sustained through more accountable and modern political organisations capable of gaining public interests, he said.
In reply to a question as to rescheduling of the polls, he said, "We are not going to negotiate it in detail. We hope it will be held in a reasonable period of time."
Delegation member Peter Manikas said the Election Commission should not have the pow'er to cancel candidatures.
"The political parties should agree to sustain several of the caretaker government's reforms and use their elected roles in parliament as the principal forum for constructive deliberation on issues and resolving disputes," delegation member Saumura Tioulongsaid.
The parties should also agree to end hartals and provide a meaningful role for the opposition in parliament, she said in her mitten statement.
Tioulong, also a member of the Cambodian national assembly, said the caretaker government should not
deploy police or military personnel in the polling stations on the Election Day or in a manner that appears intimidating to voters or that interferes with the electoral process.
"The government should act in a completely neutral manner during the election and refrain from actions that, in fact or appearance, favour or oppose any candidate or party," shesaid.
"The EC should adopt measures to ensure that minority groups can exercise their rights on Election Day and are not subjected to postelection violence," she said.
The NDI also recommended that EC review the issue of shutting down mobile phone network to determine if there are alternative ways to ensure public safety on Election Day and provide the voters list in print and digital forms to ensure that all parties and candidates are able to campaign effectively.