‘Holding free, fair election top priority’

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Rashed Khan Menon has said he joined the 'all-party' interim government to help hold a free and fair election.

“Holding a free and fair election is out first job,” the Workers' Party chief said during interaction with the ministry officials on Sunday, the first day in office.

Menon said the interim cabinet would carry out regular duties and maintain continuity.

He said they would solve problems regarding the ministry but would not make any basic changes.

The minister thinks some ‘positive changes’ could be discerned recently in the main Opposition BNP though the party was still agitating to press for a non-party government to supervise polls.

Menon believes holding a dialogue would find a solution to the crisis. “There is no alternative to election for continuing the democratic process.”

The interim government had been formed to get all on board, he said, adding that the offer made to the Opposition to join the government was still open.

The minister said the election would be acceptable if the majority of the people took part in it.

The Workers Party chief said the Opposition's threat to cripple the country would not be successful. “The country will run on its own steam.”