Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal is not sure how peaceful the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election will be but stresses the need to ensure that the election process cannot be called into question, reports bdnews24.com.
The CEC came up with the remarks while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a training programme on election law and regulation for judicial magistrates at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
He described Bangladesh's election culture as 'not particularly developed yet'.
"Attempts are made to take over polling centres, exercise force, and influence voters by handing out black money," he said.
After the BNP decided to boycott, the major poll contests became 150 races where candidates running under the ruling party's boat symbol faced off against independent candidates. Over 100 of these independent candidates hold positions in the Awami League at various levels.
As the different factions of the ruling party attempt to demonstrate their strength and popularity, incidents of violence - such as the tearing down of opponents' posters, obstruction of campaign events, beatings, attacks and clashes - have been reported in 25 constituencies. At least two people have died.
CEC Awal does not believe the election can end without some form of unrest. Elections in the country 'are not peaceful', he said. But, he is working to ensure that no questions can be raised about the process.
"It is not enough for polls to be fair," he said. "To demonstrate their fairness, they must be credible as well. We cannot allow incorrect perceptions to develop. Our responsibility is to the people and the international community. The international community cannot be underestimated. After all, Bangladesh is part of the international community."
JS polls must be credible: CEC
FE Team | Published: January 01, 2024 23:36:23
JS polls must be credible: CEC
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