Election Schedule to be Announced After Preparation of Voter List: CEC

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Publish : 25 Dec 2024, 07:19 PM

Photo: Collected

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin stated that the election schedule could be announced after the preparation of the voter list and the registration of political parties, which are expected to be completed before September 2025. He also mentioned that necessary directives are being provided to officials assuming elections will be held in December of next year.

In an interview with a private television channel, the CEC said that the people of the country have high expectations from the current government. Similarly, expectations from the Election Commission are also significant. "I don't think there are conditions that would jeopardize or disrupt the election. When people see that the Election Commission is committed to conducting a fair election, they will stand by us," he added.

The commission has already started work on finalizing the voter list and redrawing constituency boundaries even before the Election System Reform Commission submits its report. However, the CEC acknowledged that resolving issues such as fake voters, the inclusion of new voters, and the redrawing of boundaries will be challenging. Additionally, he sees the process of verifying and approving party registrations as another significant challenge.

The CEC said, "If someone turns 18, but we do nothing to verify their eligibility, and no fake voter list is created, preparing the voter list becomes straightforward. Removing deceased voters from the list is a demand from all, and this is what makes preparing the voter list challenging. Nevertheless, we are working on it."

He further commented, "Law enforcement agencies, deputy commissioners (DCs), and superintendents of police (SPs) will work impartially during the national election because they are not under any undue pressure now. Previously, they faced immense pressure from higher-ups, such as being directed to conduct elections in a way that favoured a particular party. That situation no longer exists, and they can now work freely."

The CEC also stated that recommendations from the Reform Commission would be implemented to strengthen the Election Commission. Indicating substantial changes before the election, he added, "All necessary measures will be taken to make the election credible."

On January 7 of this year, the 12th National Parliamentary Election was held. Seven months later, following a student-led and public uprising, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country. In August, an interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus was formed, and the Election Commission was established on November 21.

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