Fair poll impossible sans cutting admin’s control over it

Former chief election commissioner (CEC) Justice Muhammad Abdur Rouf said on Thursday a fair election is not possible unless the control of the administration over conducting the election is reduced, reports UNB.

The former CEC came up with the remarks while addressing a discussion on 'An Acceptable Election Can Solve the Current Crisis,' organised by Centre for Nationalism Studies at National Press Club in the city.Referring to his five-year experience as CEC, he said the role of the voters in an election remains ineffective as the administration, law enforcers and politicians deny their rights.

Expressing concerns, he also said the politicians will not welcome the step to empower the voters to play their effective role in polls.

He said the character of the elections that have taken place in the last 50 years remain the same because the elections have been conducted by the administration denying the rights of the electorate.

The former justice also said it is very important to ensure a level-playing field for all the candidates as well as providing them adequate safety, giving the chance to campaign equally, preventing black money and muscle power in the election and inspecting the returning officers strictly.

Centre for Nationalism Studies chairman Fatema Anwar moderated the programme while BNP chairperson's adviser Ahmed Azam Khan and Democracy Watch executive director Taleya Rahman, among others, spoke at the programme.