Prevailing political envirn not conducive to polls: EC
Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) believes that a favourable environment expected for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections has not yet been created in the country.
In a concept paper sent to media editors on Thursday, the EC said political differences between parties remained unresolved in the absence of dialogues and negotiations.
“The major opposing parties remain steadfast in their positions, resorting to street demonstrations to garner support and display their strength.
However, the commission does not believe this is the anticipated solution to the crisis,” reads the paper.
The commission will hold a workshop for media editors titled ‘
Upcoming 12th National Parliament Elections: Role of Media and the Nation’s Expectations’ on 26 October.
The concept paper also emphasises that the resolution of the crisis is a political matter, with no direct involvement with the Election Commission.
Mentioning that the country has sufficient election laws in place, the commission noted that achieving the desired objectives can be challenging when there is a lack of harmonious alignment between these laws and the prevailing political culture.
“In multi-party democracy, differences, disagreements, and crises are inherent to the system.
It can be more productive to seek compromises and solutions through dialogue, leaving behind political vengeance and distrust.
Absolute tolerance, mutual understanding, and solidarity are essential elements for sustaining a stable democracy,” said the concept paper.
The Election Commission further mentioned that the commission can play a vital and beneficial role in promoting free and fair voting, discouraging the use of force and illicit funds, and resolving political crises and other election-related issues for both local and international media.
According to EC sources, 38 editors have been invited to the workshop.
Meanwhile, the EC has already made preparations to dispatch election materials. The goods will be sent to the Dhaka region on Thursday, said the EC insiders.
