Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh, Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that today’s elections present an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to have a new beginning in their democratic journey.

Mr Akufo-Addo also had a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff in Dhaka, Bangladesh, focused on their readiness to ensure a peaceful process on 12th February.

He said, “It will be a tremendous signal to the world, to South Asia, South East Asia, that Bangladesh is determined to Charter a democratic future and that has to be something that all of us who are democrats would wish for.”

Earlier, he said he was honoured to have been invited by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, to serve as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the elections and referendum.

Releasing his arrival statement in Dhaka, the capital city, H.E Nana Akufo-Addo noted that the elections are taking place at a significant time, following a period of political contestation, public debate on governance and institutional reform, and the continued aspirations of citizens for transparent, inclusive, and credible democratic processes.

H.E Nana Akufo-Addo said: “Democracy remains one of the most important pillars of the Commonwealth, enshrined in its Charter, a fundamental global value rooted in the principle that people have the right to freely express their will and determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems.

“I enjoin all stakeholders to uphold these important values for the benefit and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.”

Since the Group’s arrival, members have met with representatives of the media, civil society, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and other stakeholders.

Source: 3news