What would count as a ‘participatory election’ in Bangladesh? German ambassador spells it out

He says participatory election is where 'a plurality of parties' can take part

Germany’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz has outlined what he considers the core elements of a “participatory election”, an exercise where citizens and political parties can take part freely, without intimidation or obstruction.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Lotz said the concept begins with ensuring that “men and women alike” are able to participate without fear.

“For me, it means that people have the chance to participate in the elections, and no one is hindered from doing so,” he said.

A genuinely participatory election, he added, requires the involvement of “a plurality of parties” and a campaign environment free from political violence. Voters must be able to “freely express their opinion” throughout the process.

Lotz stressed that accurate vote-counting and the inclusion of expatriate voters also form part of this framework. “I think this is the package I would like to see,” he noted.

The ambassador described a high turnout as an important marker of legitimacy, calling the interim government’s stated aim of reaching a 60 percent voter turnout “very reasonable”.

Bangladesh is set to witness an election in February next year following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in the wake of a student-led uprising.

Hasina and her home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal have been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during her government’s attempt to suppress the movement.

The activities of Hasina’s party, Awami League, have been banned.

The Election Commission has suspended the AL’s registration as a political party, effectively shutting the door for the country’s oldest political party to contest the upcoming election.

It is also unclear whether AL’s allies in the 14-Party Alliance would be able to take part in the national election. The Jatiya Party is also excluded from the EC’s preparations for the national vote.

Lotz expressed “full support” for the activities of the current government led by Muhammad Yunus.

He also emphasised the need to have a national reconciliation, which, he said, has been missing in Bangladesh for many years.

He hoped the election would lead to national reconciliation.