CEC vows transparent polls, says rule of law is key
Staff Reporter:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday reiterated that the Election Commission’s sole responsibility is to deliver a free, fair, and acceptable national election, stressing that the rule of law remains the foremost prerequisite for a credible voting process.
Speaking at a regional workshop titled “Building Bridges: Regional Electoral Governance and Citizen Observation Exchange” organised by the Asian Network for Free Elections at Hotel Lakeshore Heights in Dhaka, the CEC said the Commission is determined to honour the commitments it has made to citizens as well as the international community.
“No matter how many challenges come, we will uphold the promise we made to the public to conduct a transparent and acceptable election,” he said. “We will be able to fulfil the commitments we have made to the nation and the world.”
Nasir Uddin said the government and political parties have publicly stated their desire for a fair election—an “added advantage” for the Commission.
He emphasised the crucial role of election observers and the media, calling them the EC’s “CC cameras”. “Observers will watch the election. Observers and journalists will be our CC cameras. We are all working together to conduct a free, fair, and participatory election,” he said.
He expressed hope that all stakeholders would act responsibly and maturely throughout the election cycle.
Addressing the upcoming referendum, the CEC said voters will be asked to respond “Yes” or “No” to four questions. The Referendum Law is expected to be enacted next week, he said, calling the process “another challenge for the EC”.
“If the referendum law is passed, the entire procedure will be defined within it,” he noted.
The CEC said the Commission is working to simplify voting for expatriate Bangladeshis through IT-supported postal ballots, describing it as part of efforts to expand voter access.
He also warned that technological advancement—especially artificial intelligence—poses serious challenges for electoral integrity.
“Technology is both a blessing and a curse. As technology advances, miscreants are becoming more powerful. They can use advanced technology, including AI, to create chaos in the electoral process. This is a major headache for us,” he said.
As Bangladesh moves toward the election and referendum, the CEC reaffirmed that ensuring a credible process remains the EC’s unwavering priority.