Staff Reporter :
Chief Election Commission (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday said that the parliamentary election was not a silly matter because it required political party’s representation and people’s support to form a government.
He, however, felt the need for army deployment in aid to civil administration to maintain the law and order situation during the parliamentary polls and CCTV would be set up in all the polling centres as per the capacity of the commission.
The CEC gave the statement while holding dialogue with the representatives of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party in the Election Bhaban in the capital.
He also felt the need for a free, fair and unbiased election where voters can cast their votes to election the representatives of the political parties for the formation of a government.
“I am making a call to all parties to join the election and will continue to do so. The election will be held in time. We are pledge-bound to hold the election as per the law and the Constitution. We cannot compel any party if it does not participate in the poll. But we expect your participation,” he said.
Seeking cooperation of the political parties, CEC Awal said, “We would seek your cooperation to contain the muscle power during polls. The cooperation of district administration, BGB, district magistrates are required. Even army deployment may be required.”
Regarding the power of the Commission, he said, “We have been entrusted with some powers in the election related laws. We can reduce the election related violence and muscle power by enforcing our power.”
The dialogue has also discussed on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) whether it would be used in the polls despite the opposition of most of the political parties that participated in the EC’s recent political dialogue.
“We have been informed of the political parties’doubt and disbelief about EVM. We have not taken any blindfolded decision. The machine has some good sides as well as bad sides. We are not disregarding it. We are examining it.”
In another meeting with Gono Front representatives led by its Chairman Zakir Hossain, the CEC said that he would send their message about election time government to the Awami League government.
“I would send your message about election time government to the government. It is under the jurisdiction of the government. I believe any responsible government should have the mentality to accept any sensible and proper proposal for the sale of election,” he added.
Talking about EC’s limitation in conducting elections, Awal said, “The Commission may have limitations in holding polls. The election time government should impartially assist the Commission. It is the government’s statutory duty.”
He also said that the Commission would exercise all the powers as per law to hold elections and all the executive bodies have to abide by the order and directives of the EC.
He also told the political parties to sit round the table with the government to reach any consensus over the election time government.
“You can talk about the election time government issue with the government. Place your proposal to the government. Political stability springs from political consensus,” he noted.
About the role of the public administration, the CEC said, “Political depoliticisation is necessary at least during the election time. They should play their roles impartially as employee of the government.”
