The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League, which heads the Grand Alliance, Sunday said they expect to win some 200 seats in tomorrow's 9th Parliamentary elections.

"Awami League and the Grand Alliance are expecting near about 200 seats in the general election," co-chairman of Awami League Election Steering Committee HT Imam said.

He was talking to reporters after a meeting between AL President Sheikh Hasina and a seven-member delegation of the Election Observers' Team of USA-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) at her residence in the evening.

Imam said during the meeting, the NDI members, led by Howard B Schaffer, was requested to monitor Monday's crucial balloting to their best.

"We saw in 2001 how harmful the local election observers can be for the country. We request all the foreign election observes to be more vigilant to ensure a free and fair election," Imam said. He also told the NDI about probable use of money and muscle by their opponents to buy and influence votes.

Imam said the NDI team was also informed that in some areas, minorities and women voters in particular were being intimidated not to vote for Boat, the election symbol of the Awami League.

Talking to the media, Howard B Schaffer said they hope that all the political parties will accept the result of the election.

He also stressed the need for active participation of the opposition parties after the election and to make the new parliament truly effective.

Earlier in the morning, a seven-member delegation of International Republican Institue (IRI) called on Sheikh Hasina at Sudhasadan.

The IRI team, led by Barry Newman, exchanged views with Hasina, an aspirant for Bangladesh's next prime minister.

Later, a delegation of British Parliamentary Board, led by Paula Manjila Uddin, also met Sheikh Hasina at Sudhasadan. Another team of European Parliamenatary Board led by Charles Panock separately met Sheikh Hasina.

Talking to newsmen, the visiting poll observers described the pre-election situation as positive and the law and order as "good" for holding Monday's election in free and fair manner.

Voting will be held Monday in 299 of the 300 parliamentary seats.

Polling in one constituency was postponed after death of a candidate.