CEC for Completing Preparations by October to Hold Elections in December

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized today that all preparations for the national elections must be finalized by October to ensure elections can take place in December.

"If elections are to be held in December, the schedule must be announced by October. All necessary preparations, including reforms in the legal framework and regulations, must be completed by then," he stated. The CEC highlighted key areas of focus, such as the registration of new political parties and the delimitation of electoral boundaries.

The CEC made these remarks during an event organized by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at Nirbachon Bhaban in Agargaon. RFED President Ekramul Huq Sayem presided over the event, with General Secretary M Humayun Kabir serving as moderator.

"We are optimistic that the elections will be held in a festive atmosphere, as the Chief Adviser has confirmed that the 13th National Parliament elections will take place within the next one and a half years," said Nasir Uddin. He added that preparations are being made with the rainy season in June in mind.

The CEC also mentioned that updating the voter list is already underway, and necessary steps to reform electoral laws are in progress.

Addressing proposed reforms by the Electoral Reform Commission, Nasir Uddin expressed concerns about reducing the Election Commission's autonomy. "If certain activities of the EC are placed under the supervision of a parliamentary standing committee, it will undermine the EC's independence," he said. "We strongly oppose reforms that make the EC dependent on external bodies."

The CEC emphasized that the Election Commission should retain sole authority over updating voter lists and delimiting electoral boundaries. "Intervention by any other body in these matters is unacceptable," he stated.

While acknowledging the value of recommendations for reforming the electoral system, Nasir Uddin noted the challenges of implementation. He disagreed with proposals to remove the EC's authority over electoral boundary delimitation, reiterating that this responsibility falls under the EC's jurisdiction.

He credited early voter list updates to logistical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, he pointed out that the EC’s progress is hindered by the absence of a clear legal framework.

''The lack of defined 'rules of the game' restricts us from completing tasks related to political party registration and boundary delimitation,'' he said. ''Amending the relevant laws is essential to overcome these challenges."