Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda has said that the Election Commission (EC) would give a roadmap in the middle of the next month with a clear idea about holding elections in 2008.
He said this after holding a meeting with the visiting European Union (EU) Troika delegation, in city to observe the prevailing pre-election situation, in the city Thursday, reports UNB.
"They (Troika delegation) wanted to know where we are now in the 18-moth timeframe… We told we are preparing a project paper… It would complete by the end of June… We could give an imprecise roadmap (of elections)… could give an idea when we would do what in the process of holding elections in 2008," he told reporters after the meeting.
The Troika delegation discussed the matters of preparation for the polls, especially discussions for political party reforms.
The EU delegation observed that the EC had to look at clearly defined exceptions to the rule and order to engage in a "meaningful discussion" with the political parties about party reforms.
About reform of the crisis-ridden political parties, the CEC told the delegation they would do as far as possible within the mandate they have in the Constitution and Representation of the People Order (RPO).
"We told them our task is going on… We are not facing any problem at this level."
Earlier, head of the six-member delegation Ambassador Andreas Michaelis told reporters that they discussed how the consultative process with the political parties could be started without infringing the principles of the declared ban on indoor political activity.
"EU feared that the point would come at some time where, maybe, the EC has to look at clearly defined exceptions to the rule and order to engage in a meaningful discussion with the parties about party reforms."
Michaelis said that the EU feels that Bangladesh should have "serious, comprehensive and meaningful elections". And for that the focus on a reliable voters' list is required. "So, they (EC) are taking some time."
They were assured that the timeframe the caretaker government and the EC have set themselves could be achieved.
At some point in time they (EC) would also approach a point where they would come forward with something like roadmap that would mix-up the process and sketch leading to the general elections, said the EU delegation chief.
He said they would welcome it (roadmap) too because it would convince the international community that they are engaged in a very serious effort.
Michaelis said that, during the meeting, the delegation discussed a clear prospect of elections in Bangladesh in the course of next year. They would also look at the possibilities of giving financial support through the UNDP project in the preparation of voters' list.
The EU supports the electoral and political party reforms in the country and welcomed the process of further increasing the EC's independence, both administratively and financially, he told the journalists.
The overall impression of the delegation was "positive", as the EC is doing "very committed and professional job in which the EU is ready to provide support", Michaelis said.
He mentioned that they had suspended their election-observer mission in January-in the wake of a serious political crisis over the issues of the general elections, which was eventually stalled.
But now they stand ready to send an observer mission in due course of preparations for holding the general election in Bangladesh.
EC gives roadmap next month for 2008 polls: CEC
FE Team | Published: June 08, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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