CEC calls for support of all to ensure level-playing field in election

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called for cooperation of all the stakeholders, including the media, to ensure a level-playing field in the upcoming election.

"We have to hold a credible national election with the support of all. We want to hold it nationally. It's not possible for the Election Commission (EC) alone to manage the entire process alone," he said.

He made the remarks at a dialogue with the top-level representatives of print and electronic media, held at the Nirbachan Bhaban (Election Building) in the city's Agargaon area on Monday.

The EC hosted the event as part of its series of dialogues with different stakeholders, including the civil society, media, women leaders and election experts. As part of the dialogue initiative, the EC hosted two sessions on Monday - one with electronic media representatives in the morning and the other with print-online media representatives in the afternoon.

The EC top officials, including its commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Begum Tahmida Ahmad, Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker, and Brig. Gen. Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd), and representatives of the top national dailies, including the Financial Express (FE) Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, the Kaler Kantho Editor and the president of National Press Club Hasan Hafiz, and Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif were present on the occasion, among others.

Inaugurating the dialogue in the second session with the print media representatives, the CEC highlighted the role of the EC and the initiatives it has undertaken.

"We have identified nearly 2.15 million deceased voters in the updated voter list, and votes were cast in their names," he said.

Around 4.5 million eligible voters were added, and the number of female voters also increased. Besides, many new initiatives like expatriates' votes, postal votes, and voting facilities for the election officials have been taken.

"We have taken the responsibility at a critical time. No matter how hard we try, the media, the people and the parties matter. The media is needed for forming opinions, and for creating equal opportunities for everyone."

The CEC said the EC would seriously pay attention to the recommendations made by the journalists. "We will be enlightened with the opinions you express pinpointing our gaps."

Highlighting the importance of the upcoming national election, he said: "This election, probably, is going to shape the future of this country."

Holding an acceptable election is not only important for the country, but also for the entire nation, he added.

Hasan Hafiz said he expected that the EC would portray a determined position regarding every affairs of holding the national election.

Highlighting on the importance of the EC's role, he said: "The journey towards a democratic transition wouldn't be possible without a strong role of the EC."

There are conspiracies at home and abroad to foil the election, and the EC should clear its position about letting the Awami League take part in it, he noted.

FE Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid said the upcoming national election is going to be a high-stake one. So, there is a need to consider holding the election in a single day with the existing police and administration, as there are worries over law and order situation.

Earlier, in the session with the electronic media, the senior journalists urged the EC to tackle the impact of artificial intelligence, prevent fake news, and maintain an environment where the media can work smoothly before and after the election.

The EC is scheduled to hold a dialogue with women leaders and election experts today (Tuesday). It would also hold discussions with July-warriors and political parties soon.

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