Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has announced the schedule for the 12th parliamentary elections, with the polls set to be held on January 7.
In a televised address on Wednesday, he also urged political parties to find a way to avoid conflict ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections and asked voters to exercise their right to vote without fear.
As per schedule, nominations are to be filed by November 30, which will be scrutinized from December 1 to 4. The last date for the withdrawal of nominations is December 17.
Symbols will be allotted to the political parties, and the election campaign will begin on December 18.
The total number of voters is about 119,700,000, and the number of polling stations is around 42,000. A total of 262,000 booths will be used for voting.
In a written statement, the CEC acknowledged that in multi-party politics, ideological divisions can exist. However, if disagreements lead to conflict and violence, the resulting instability can adversely affect the electoral process. Consensus and solutions are needed.
He requested all political parties on behalf of the Election Commission to seek amicable solutions and avoid conflict and violence.
The CEC also urged people to overcome worries, anxieties, and discomfort, come to the polling stations in a joyful atmosphere, and freely exercise their right to vote.
The CEC emphasized that the constitution of Bangladesh came into effect on December 16, 1972. It paved the path to multi-party democratic governance in the country.
The constitution of Bangladesh is the ultimate expression of the will of the people of the country. It declares the people as the owners of power.
Free and impartial parliamentary elections are one of the main means of establishing the people’s sovereignty over state power.
Public desire is reflected in the constitution, he added.
The CEC highlighted his commission’s achievements, saying: “We have conducted thousands of local government elections at various levels, including 16 by-elections to Parliament in the last 20 months.”
“We have held several dialogues and exchanged views with various stakeholders, including all interested political parties, intellectuals, academics, civil society, senior journalists, and election experts,” he added.
“We have exchanged opinions, learned about political party demands, and explained our position in this context,” according to the election commission chief.
He mentioned that the EC also invited all political parties not interested in registration to a dialogue several times, but they declined the invitation.
According to Article 65 of the constitution, Parliament consists of members elected from 300 general seats and 50 women in reserved seats.
Under Article 123(3)(a) of the constitution, there is a clear direction to hold general elections within 90 days of the completion of the term of Parliament.
The CEC pointed out that this constitutional directive has been fulfilled by the Election Commission with the help of the executive branch of the government and law enforcement forces.
The government has repeatedly expressed its clear commitment to making the upcoming parliamentary elections fair, free, impartial, participatory and peaceful.
The commission will also discharge its duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity to the best of its ability and by taking all necessary assistance from the government to make the upcoming parliamentary elections free, fair and peaceful, read a statement.
The CEC said that elections can be fair, free, impartial and participatory only through the concerted cooperation and participation of all concerned in the process.
He noted that when political parties are motivated by a democratic spirit and contest elections effectively, a balance is established at the centre, making elections more fair and meaningful.
He said: “It also reflects public opinion more clearly. The selection process is progressively integrated and sustainable. Democratic culture is enhanced.”
The EC chief believes the people of Bangladesh are aware of politics. The people will be equally aware of the election and will understand its importance. Candidates will play their role by campaigning to that end.
The Election Commission has also adopted various promotional programs to motivate and sensitize the general public and voters in particular.
Stating that all candidates and political parties participating in the elections must follow the code of conduct, the CEC said that all officials engaged in election duties must also perform their assigned duties with honesty and devotion by properly understanding, upholding, and applying the laws and regulations relating to the voting process.
In the statement, the CEC said the commission has implemented and continues to implement various training programs to familiarize them with electoral laws and regulations.
“The law and order forces have to ensure the overall security of the candidates, voters, election officials and the general public, including that of the polling stations.”
“Fake votes, vote rigging, ballot rigging, money laundering, and the possible use of muscle power can influence elections.”
He urged that people unite and resist such a situation collectively at any cost.
He said there is a need for a favourable political environment for free, fair, participatory, and festive elections.
On behalf of the commission, the CEC requested all political parties to avoid conflict and violence and requested the people to come to the polling stations in a joyful atmosphere and freely exercise their right to vote.
He expected that the Election Commission will always welcome the spontaneous participation and competition by all parties in the elections.
He stated that tolerance, mutual trust, tolerance, and solidarity are the essential parameters for a sustainable and stable democracy.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
