Brussels, 30/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 29 April, the European Union called for an in-depth inquiry into the irregularities and acts of violence that marked the municipal elections in Dhaka and Chittagong in Bangladesh the previous day (see EUROPE 11303).
The spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated that according to credible reports, “vote-rigging, intimidation [Ed: of voters and the media] and violence have marred the elections (…) despite the calls from the international community to peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections”.
“The EU expects all political actors to refrain from violence, de-escalate tensions and engage in a constructive manner for the long-terms stability and democratic development of Bangladesh”, Mogherini's spokesperson stated.
The main opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), decided to boycott these elections the morning they were being held. “Voters were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice”, the spokesperson regretted. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)