EC requests PM, Speaker to restrict visits of ministers to polling areas
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
The Election Commission (EC) requested the Prime Minister (PM) and the Speaker of parliament to restrain the ministers from visiting the places where parliamentary by-elections for seven vacated seats are going to be held on April 2 to keep the polls influence-free, reports UNB.
Under a fresh election schedule aspirants submitted nominations Monday, the last date for the nomination filing. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on March 11. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 17.
"A letter from the Chief Election Commissioner's office has already been sent to the Prime Minister and the Speaker's offices so that anyone of minister and state minister levels does not visit the election areas," Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told journalists Monday.
He said although there are no restrictions on visit by Members of Parliament (MPs), but the EC has also requested them not to visit the election areas to keep the polling totally free from influence.
The Election Commissioner urged people, including the candidates and their supporters, to abide by the electoral code of conduct during electioneering in the seven parliamentary constituencies.
"We want to hold the elections completely free, fair and neutral, and influence-free. We hope that all will help the commission in this regard," he said.
He said the EC has already appointed the judicial magistrates in the polling areas and they would take necessary steps against the violators of the code of conduct.
Under a fresh election schedule aspirants submitted nominations Monday, the last date for the nomination filing. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on March 11. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 17.
"A letter from the Chief Election Commissioner's office has already been sent to the Prime Minister and the Speaker's offices so that anyone of minister and state minister levels does not visit the election areas," Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain told journalists Monday.
He said although there are no restrictions on visit by Members of Parliament (MPs), but the EC has also requested them not to visit the election areas to keep the polling totally free from influence.
The Election Commissioner urged people, including the candidates and their supporters, to abide by the electoral code of conduct during electioneering in the seven parliamentary constituencies.
"We want to hold the elections completely free, fair and neutral, and influence-free. We hope that all will help the commission in this regard," he said.
He said the EC has already appointed the judicial magistrates in the polling areas and they would take necessary steps against the violators of the code of conduct.