The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The election monitoring delegation of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) will meet the press to present a preliminary statement on December 29 election at Westin-Dhaka Hotel at 1.00 pm today.

On election day, the NDI has fielded observers to monitor polling and counting at different centers, a press release said.

Over the past 12 years, the NDI has conducted a broad range of programmes to assist Bangladeshis in their efforts to strengthen democracy and increase citizen participation in the country's political process.

The 33-member delegation is co-led by Howard B. Schaffer, former US ambassador to Bangladesh and Audrey McLaughlin, former memberof parliament and former leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada.

The delegation also includes Larry Garber, former US Agency for International Development (USAID) mission director for West Bank/Gaza, and Peter Manikas, senior associate and director for Asia programmes at NDI.

The delegation also includes political and civic leaders regional and election experts, media specialists, and human rights activists from 10 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.

The purpose of the mission is to demonstrate the international community's interest in Bangladesh's return to a democratically-elected government.

The NDI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide by promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in government, the release added.