The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Commonwealth Observer Group thinks that everything has been on target to hold the December 29 parliamentary polls in a free and fair manner.

Former Mauritius President and head of the Commonwealth Observer Group Cassam Uteem said this when asked to comment on the pre-polls atmosphere in the country.

Addressing a press conference at Sonargaon Hotel in the city, he said the Commonwealth Observer Group would consider the transparency of the electoral process and impartiality of the state apparatus and state media during the polls.

"The group will consider all factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole," he said.

Cassam Uteem said the Commonwealth observers comprising current and former members of parliament, former chief election commissioner and representative of civil society and the media, would take into different places in the country within a couple of days. Earlier, he said the Group would meet with political parties, civil society, media, High Commissions and representatives of other international and domestic observation group.

The group chief said they would observe the election campaign, voting, counting and results processes. Asked how a small group would cover the countrywide elections, he said they would set up a mechanism to receive complaints from parties, candidates and voters and would be able to assess a realistic statement on the election process.

About perceived threat to foil the elections, Cassam Uteem said that Election Commission officials apprised them that everything has been done and everything is being done to ensure that the polls go on peaceful means.

He said the Group would make an interim statement on the election on December 30.

In his written statement, the Commonwealth chief observer said the election on December 29 should enable the resumption of normal democratic life in the country and the reconstitution of the parliament.

He expressed satisfaction at the lifting of the state of emergency so the election campaign and polling can be conducted under normal conditions.

The Group members include Ahmed Mehbub, Executive Director, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency, Ms Ilham Mohamed, Head of Transparency Maldives, Halifa Sallah, former opposition leader of Gambina Parliament, Dr Sharman Stone MP of Australia, Ms Judith Thompson, Election Expert, Canada, Ms Sasha Mohammed, Journalist, Trinidad and Tobago, Dame Jennifer Smith, Deputy Speaker and ex-Premier of Bermuda, and BB Tandon, ex-Chief Election Commissioner of India.