Staff Reporter :
Without required reform of electoral laws and rules and other necessary works by October, it would be impossible to organize the Jatiya Sangsad Election in December, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.
The CEC made the remark while addressing a dialogue titled ‘ Reporters Forum for Election & Democracy (RFED)Talk’ at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital on Sunday.
“To conduct the election in December, I have to be fully prepared with everything by October, completing whatever necessary (for the election). I’ve to announce the schedule at the end of October,” he said.
On the other hand, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said that whether the Awami League can conduct elections will depend on judicial processes as well as political wisdom and consensus.
He added that such decisions would become clear once the election schedule is announced.
The election commissioner made these remarks during an exchange of views with journalists after a meeting on the voter list update process for 2025 and the 13th parliamentary elections, held at the Rangpur Regional Election Office on Sunday morning.
Moreover, CEC said the election commission needs to announce the election schedule at least two months or one and half a month before an election.
The submission of the nomination papers, scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidacy, settlement of appeals against the decisions of returning officers, and giving at least 21 days for election campaign are to be considered during the announcement of an election schedule, he said.
“If the election is to be held in December, then there must be an arrangement so that I can prepare by October. And if it says in the middle that new law or reform is to be made, then it will be a big challenge for me.
It will be a big challenge not only for me but also for anyone because of time constraints,” said Nasir Uddin.
He focused on different issues, including registration of political parties and delimitation of constituencies.
Furthermore EC Sanaullah said: “The overall political and judicial processes concerning the Awami League’s participation in elections will be addressed when the registered parties are included in the schedule.
It is not appropriate to comment in advance as this requires judicial procedures and political consensus.”
Acknowledging concerns over past elections, Sanaullah said: “The credibility of institutions, including law enforcement, was questioned during previous elections. We now recognize the need to restore public trust, as fair and transparent elections depend on it.”
He added that the process of ensuring free and fair elections begins with updating the voter list and continues through to announcing results. The Election Commission (EC) is committed to conducting all election activities impartially and professionally.
Addressing allegations of partisan bias in appointing presiding and polling officers, the commissioner assured: “This time, we will ensure appointments are free from party affiliations. These roles will be assigned based on competence and neutrality.”
In response to a question about prioritizing local government elections, he clarified that the EC’s primary constitutional responsibility is to hold parliamentary elections.
He said: “If the government instructs us to conduct local government elections first, the EC will evaluate and make a decision accordingly.”
Sanaullah also said that there is no political government currently in power in the country and that the EC will maintain complete neutrality.
“The Election Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to treat everyone equally without any discrimination,” he said.
