Every citizen should be able to cast vote: Bernicat

Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat today said every citizen who came out today to cast their vote should be able to do that.

"In order for elections to be meaningful, every citizen who came out today to cast their votes should be able to do that," the US diplomat told reporters after visiting the Biddyaniketon School and College center in Banani.

She said they and other foreign friends of Bangladesh are looking forward to the results of these elections and wished everyone good luck.

Asked about the allegations of driving out agents, Bernicat said this will be for the Election Commission to look into. "The government promised free and fair election. That's what people are expecting."

She mentioned that they condemned the pre-election violence.

Responding to another question, the US envoy said she is a student today and mentioned that in the USA when something happens and people cannot vote in that case those voters get an opportunity to vote later. "How does it work in Bangladesh?"

When asked whether the country will return to violent politics again after the elections, Bernicat said, "I hope that people don't resort to violence. This is a democracy and people need to use the democratic space."

Bernicat said it was disappointing to learn of violence during the city polls in polling stations in other two corporations.

She, however, said she was happy to see voters coming out for voting.

Earlier on Monday, she tweeted, "Fair, free and credible elections are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Hope, tomorrow's elections are an example of that spirit."

BNP already boycotted the elections both in Dhaka and Chittagong due to what they say irregularities.