The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon appealed to political parties in Bangladesh to demonstrate responsibility, participate fully in December 29 election and honour people's will, as the stage is now set for the polls amid an air of doubts and dithering still persisting.

He also encouraged the caretaker government and the election commission to continue their efforts to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

"The Secretary General wishes to stress that a stable post-election climate will be vital for the effectiveness and sustainability of the nation's democracy," Ban said in a statement read out by Francesc Vendrell, Head of UN High-Level Panel, at a press briefing at Sonargaon Hotel.

Vendrel, former UN Assistant Secretary General, said Ban also urged all political parties, irrespective of their performance in the elections, to work together in a spirit of dialogue and compromise to address the challenges facing the nation.

"Such cooperation should include an enhanced role for the opposition in parliament," noted the chief executive of the United Nations, apparently in view of the past problems that led to the stalling of the democratic process in January last year following a military-backed changeover.

The 3-member High-Level Panel was dispatched by the UN secretary general to assess the ground situation during and after the elections. Two other members are Bhojraj Pokharel, Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, and Ms. Aracelly Santana, Former Deputy Director of the UN Electoral Assistance Division.

The High-Level Panel will report to the Secretary-General on the conduct of the electoral process and developments in the immediate post-election period.

Asked why the Secretary General considers the December 29 elections as "highly significant", Vendrel said it's because the parliament elections are being held after seven years and secondly the country has been under unelected government for the last two years.

In reply to another question, he said he has no reason to fear that there will be violence during and after the elections.

People of Bangladesh, the UN emissary noted, have been waiting for a democratically elected government and all parties should honour the people's will.