By KUNA,
United Nations : On the eve of Bangladesh’s “highly significant” parliamentary elections on December 29, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday reiterated his call for a peaceful electoral process and a stable post-election climate, his press office said in a statement.
“He appeals to all political parties to continue to demonstrate responsibility, participate fully, and honour the will of the Bangladeshi people. He encourages 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 statement said.
“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. He urges 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,” the statement added, stressing that “such cooperation should include an enhanced role for the opposition in Parliament.” It noted that the Secretary General’s High-Level Panel for the parliamentary elections is visiting Bangladesh for a second time and will report to him on the conduct of the electoral process and developments in the immediate post-election period.