Dhaka, Nov. 27 -- Germany's Ambassador to Bangladesh Rudiger Lotz has outlined what he considers the core elements of a "participatory election", an exercise where citizens and political parties can take part freely, without intimidation or obstruction.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Lotz said the concept begins with ensuring that "men and women alike" are able to participate without fear.

"For me, it means that people have the chance to participate in the elections, and no one is hindered from doing so," he said.

A genuinely participatory election, he added, requires the involvement of "a plurality of parties" and a campaign environment free from political violence. Voters must be able to "freely express their opinion" througho...