Election was not participatory at expected level: CEC

Staff Reporter :
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)Kazi Habibul Awal said the January 7 election was not participatory at an expected level as a significant number of political parties refused to join it.

The CEC said the election commission loses its credibility if the politicians do not have trust in it. “It is not like that the elections were significantly participatory.

A political crisis remains if the polls do not become largely credible to the overall political leadership.

A quarter not only boycotted the elections but also declared to contain it. The crisis began on that particular day.”

Kazi Habibul Awal also believes that the nation survived a persistent crisis through the 12th national polls, though it does not seem like a permanent solution.

At an event at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday, he also extended thanks to the election commission officials for their contribution to the successful completion of the polls.

Addressing the occasion, the CEC said, “If a crisis emerges over the election after every five years, it will hinder the country’s development. Hence, the political leadership should find a system for the election.”

Noting that the elections went relatively well, the CEC said he learned through newspapers that some appreciated the polls, while some made allegations. Both reactions should be taken into consideration.

Sharing his experience, the CEC said, “The pathway to the election was not so smooth.

The election was carried out through concerted efforts of all. The nation felt relieved, albeit temporarily, and so did the election commission.”

He addressed the ongoing criticism, saying there are still criticisms, but they do not take into account the arbitrary vilification on social media platforms.

“The mainstream media outlets contain balanced discussions.

The elections have taken place in a fairly credible manner, and it was recognised in most cases.”