EC reaffirms commitment to hold free, fair election
Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission has pledged to deliver a free, fair, impartial and credible parliamentary poll and referendum stressing constitutional responsibility as the central guiding principle of the entire process.
Addressing domestic and international journalists and observers at a media briefing at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Wednesday, on the eve of polling, the Chief Election Commissioner said the Commission remained bound by the Constitution and relevant laws in administering the election.
All election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker, Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah and the Election Commission secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present at the briefing, which was attended by diplomats, representatives of election management bodies and United Nations organisations.
Responding to a question about the imprisonment of his two predecessors, the Chief Election Commissioner said, “Everything we have done so far is guided by the promise we made to the nation to deliver a free, fair and credible election. We are working towards that goal, strictly within the law. We are acting out of our constitutional obligations and keeping our commitment firmly in focus. Therefore, we have no reason to be afraid.”
“Our National Parliament consists of 350 members,” Nasir Uddin said, noting that 300 members are elected directly by adult franchise, while 50 reserved seats for women are allocated proportionately based on parties’ electoral performance.
He added that the five-year parliament would be formed through a process overseen by “an independent constitutional body entrusted with the responsibility of administering elections in accordance with the constitution and relevant laws”.
The CEC further said, “Transparency in the voting and counting process will be ensured.”
He said that ballots would be counted at polling stations and results announced there before being compiled by returning officers.
He also urged public participation, saying, “Voters, irrespective of gender, age or background, are encouraged to participate freely.”
He said extensive observation and media scrutiny were central to the credibility of the election.
Representatives from 45 countries and organisations are taking part, along with about 330 international observers, including nearly 220 from the European Union, and more than 160 international journalists.
Within the country, more than 45,000 observers and over 60,000 journalists are expected to receive accreditation.
“From the very first day of our journey, we have prioritised transparency,” Nasir Uddin said, describing journalists as “a vital lens through which any deviations can be identified”.
Responding to a question from Pakistani journalist about reports of polling stations being torched and post-uprising political sentiment, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said, “This was a very isolated incident in Netrakona. There are elements and vested interest to create panic. They might have different agenda.”
He said a small number of hooligans had attempted to set fire to a polling station using a cloth-like object, but the on-duty guard prevented the incident.
“We are not ruling out the possibility of such activities. We have warned all our officials and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant, particularly at night. We will not rule out isolated incident. We will take care of it,” he said.
Replying to a question about the legitimacy of the election in the absence of the Awami League, he said, “The context of this election must not be forgotten. This country suffered from a decade and a half of flawed democratic practice, during which young people were not allowed to vote.
We are now going through a transition in which those involved in conducting such farcical elections and depriving people of their democratic rights are facing legal proceedings. For that reason, certain entities are barred from participating in the election. However, this will in no way reduce voter turnout. You will see that tomorrow.”
When asked in a follow-up question whether the Election Commission could justify the Awami League’s non-participation, he said, “We do not see any possibility of lower voter turnout. We are seeing equal euphoria among people from all strata, irrespective of their political affiliation. A small number may not turn out, and that happens in every election, but generally speaking most people will come out to vote. The entity you are referring to was not alone; it had other partners, and all of them are participating in the election.”
In reply to another question, Sanaullah has said that the official results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be announced on Friday morning, the day after polling, after compiling results received from across the country.
Referring to the post-uprising security situation, he said that more than 900 weapons looted from police stations had been recovered. He added that a three-tier security arrangement had been put in place around polling centres, which would also remain under CCTV surveillance.
Sanaullah said dual citizens are allowed to vote, as there is no constitutional restriction, but they are not eligible to contest the election unless they renounce their foreign citizenship.
Concluding the briefing, the Chief Election Commissioner reaffirmed the Commission’s “unwavering commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and participatory election”, saying comprehensive security and coordination arrangements were in place with law enforcement agencies and the government.