The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The visiting European Parliamentary Delegation on South Asian Affairs Sunday observed that the state of emergency now in force in the country should be lifted before the local bodies and national elections.

The observation came when the delegation made a courtesy call on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda at his office in the morning.

The delegation, led by Robert Evans, Member of European Parliament (MEP), London, discussed issues including the EC's comprehensive plans and preparations, its voter registration process and other activities taking place for holding free and fair elections by December 2008.

"We discussed, but haven't got the timetable (on lifting the emergency)… Clearly that has to be lifted before the local bodies and national elections," Evans told reporters when asked if the delegation discussed the issue of lifting the state of emergency. The EU delegation chief said the state of emergency should be lifted so the political parties could run their activities, hold meetings at local levels and take preparations for elections.

"The Election Commission is working on that procedure to make sure for that to happen… it seems in pipeline to happen. The timetable (for lifting state of emergency) should be settled of course," he said.

Asked if they discussed the transparent ballot box issue, Evans said they mentioned it, but there was no discussion in details.