Election results reflect will of Bangladeshi people

BANGLADESH: The results of Bangla-desh's 9th parliamentary elections held Monday appear to have accurately reflected the will of Bangladeshi people, according to the preliminary findings of the International Republican Institute ( IRI).

IRI found the elections a major step forward in demonstrating the country's commitment to strengthening democracy, IRI election observation delegation head Constance Berry Newman said in a preliminary statement at a press briefing on Tuesday.

She said that some procedural irregularities in the process noticed by their election observers would not question the outcome.

"Though observers noted many procedural irregularities they did not believe them of the scope and severity that would call into question the legitimacy of the process or outcome," Newman said.

Newman, however, said these are their preliminary findings and detailed findings would be provided later.

Newman, a former U.S. assistant secretary of state, said the Bangladeshi leaders and citizens should be congratulated for an election that restores the electoral foundation of Bangladesh's democracy.

She said IRI's 65-member delegation of short and long-term election observers monitored more than 250 polling stations in all six administrative divisions of the country.

"The delegation was particularly impressed with the dedication of the millions of Bangladeshi voters who stood patiently in line to exercise their civic rights and to participate in the political process," she said.

DHAKA, Wednesday, Xinhua