US wants independent, non-partisan EC

The United States has voiced its opinion in favour of forming an independent, strong and non-partisan Election Commission through an inclusive and transparent process. “We took real interest and notice that the honourable Prime Minister herself during the Awami League council made the statement that she does not want a questionable election next time. And, the new general secretary said the same thing,” US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat told a questioner at a programme styled DCAB Talk organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh at the EMK Centre in the capital yesterday. “The formation of the new electoral commission will be the first tangible step the government takes to make that a reality. The United States and number of other like-minded countries are urging and advocating that there be an inclusive and transparent process to select a new electoral commission and that is the key to holding the best election possible,” she said.
“We want to see an independent, strong and non-partisan electoral commission that takes every step between now and the day people actually go to vote to ensure that everyone who will want to vote can cast the vote and every vote cast will be counted. The preparations began long before the election day. The forming the new EC is next first step,” she added.
Flanked by DCAB President Angur Nahar Monty and Pantho Rahman, the US Ambassador talked about various issues regarding Dhaka-Washington relationship including ties in the upcoming new US administration, trade and commerce, security and defence.
Describing the current Bangladesh-US relations as stronger than ever, she said, “The unwavering support of the American government and people for our Bangladeshi friends has been consistent over decades. We look to 2017 as an opportunity to expand our engagement on the full range of issues. Our shared ideals and goals are enduring in nature and will remain strong during the new administration.”
Responding to questions regarding the US President-elect Donald Trump, Bernicat said that US’s values and goals do not change much with the transition as there is check and balance in the system involving three organs – presidency, congress and judiciary. “The real strength lies in citizens,” she said.
Ambassador Bernicat said that the US system is about Constitution, rule of law and a set of institutions. She, however, said, “We look to what the new president emphasises on.” On the security issue, the envoy said that the Bangladesh law enforcers have done a lot to combat militancy, but there is no room for being complacent. “None of us can be satisfied,” she added. To a question, she said that indeed there is a credible threat of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh.

 

US wants independent, non-partisan EC

The United States has voiced its opinion in favour of forming an independent, strong and non-partisan Election Commission through an inclusive and transparent process. We took real interest and notice that the honourable Prime Minister herself during the Awami League council made the statement that she does not want a questionable election next time. And, the new general secretary said the same thing, US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat told a questioner at a programme styled DCAB Talk organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh at the EMK Centre in the capital yesterday. The formation of the new electoral commission will be the first tangible step the government takes to make that a reality. The United States and number of other like-minded countries are urging and advocating that there be an inclusive and transparent process to select a new electoral commission and that is the key to holding the best election possible, she said. We want to see an independent, strong and non-partisan electoral commission that takes every step between now and the day people actually go to vote to ensure that everyone who will want to vote can cast the vote and every vote cast will be counted. The preparations began long before the election day. The forming the new EC is next first step, she added. Flanked by DCAB President Angur Nahar Monty and Pantho Rahman, the US Ambassador talked about various issues regarding Dhaka-Washington relationship including ties in the upcoming new US administration, trade and commerce, security and defence. Describing the current Bangladesh-US relations as stronger than ever, she said, The unwavering support of the American government and people for our Bangladeshi friends has been consistent over decades. We look to 2017 as an opportunity to expand our engagement on the full range of issues. Our shared ideals and goals are enduring in nature and will remain strong during the new administration. Responding to questions regarding the US President-elect Donald Trump, Bernicat said that USs values and goals do not change much with the transition as there is check and balance in the system involving three organs presidency, congress and judiciary. The real strength lies in citizens, she said. Ambassador Bernicat said that the US system is about Constitution, rule of law and a set of institutions. She, however, said, We look to what the new president emphasises on. On the security issue, the envoy said that the Bangladesh law enforcers have done a lot to combat militancy, but there is no room for being complacent. None of us can be satisfied, she added. To a question, she said that indeed there is a credible threat of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh.