Japan to send 16-member election observer team: Ambassador Kiminori

Japan will be sending an election observer team, comprising members from the country and staffers from the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori said following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal today.

Briefing reporters about the meeting, the Japanese ambassador said, "We talked with the Election Commission about our intention to send an election observation mission. Of course, we will talk in detail about the arrangements made by the commission, various agencies, and ministries."

Asked how many observers Japan would send, Kiminori said, "We have registered 16 people, but not all will come from Japan. Three will arrive in the country and the remaining will be made up of our embassy staffers."

He said the modality of the observation was also discussed but did not disclose further details.

Talking to reporters after the meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital, CEC Habibul Awal said the ambassador was updated on the latest situation regarding election preparation.

Awal mentioned the lack of participation from "important" parties, saying it was unfortunate.

"It is true that an important party is not participating in the elections. It would be better if they had. We invited them from the start, but they did not respond," he said.

Asked whether the lack of participation would mean less national and international acceptance for the polls, Awal said he would not comment on it.

"We will see after the elections."

On the issue of international pressure, he said, "I keep hearing this word repeatedly over how all countries are inquiring about our elections. Donor countries always want to see elections. The government has repeatedly said the elections will be free and fair and from our side we will ensure it."