EC suspends observer cards of PASA, probe underway: CA press secy
However, he said no evidence of the organisation’s political affiliation has been found so far
The Election Commission has suspended the observer accreditation of local organisation "People's Association for Social Advancement" (PASA), Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said tonight (7 February).
Speaking at a press briefing following a high level meeting on election preparedness at the chief adviser's official residence Jamuna, Shafiqul Alam also said an investigation into the organisation is currently underway.
However, he said no evidence of the organisation's political affiliation has been found so far.
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"The Election Commission is dealing with the matter strictly in line with its rules and procedures," the press secretary said.
Briefing reporters on the government's election arrangements, Shafiqul Alam said around 60,000 local and 400 foreign observers, along with more than 100 foreign journalists, are expected to monitor the polls.
The Election Commission had earlier approved PASA to deploy the single largest number of domestic observers for the 13th national elections scheduled for 12 February.
In total, 55,454 observers from 81 local organisations were cleared to monitor this year's parliamentary elections and referendum. Of them, PASA alone accounted for 10,559 observers –nearly 19% of all approved local monitors.
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According to Prothom Alo, despite having no permanent staff of its own, PASA was authorised to observe the elections in 127 constituencies.
The organisation, registered as a voluntary group, does not run independent projects and has historically operated as a partner of other NGOs. In this election, however, it was approved to engage other NGOs as its partners for observation activities, said the report.
Under the Election Commission rules, domestic organisations must be registered with the commission to serve as election observers. The current commission annulled all previous observer registrations and invited fresh applications on 27 July last year. On 7 November, 66 local organisations were registered in the first phase, excluding PASA. In December, the EC registered 15 additional organisations, including PASA, and on 8 December published a final list of 81 registered bodies.
According to records from the Department of Social Services, PASA was registered as a voluntary organisation in 1993. Its stated objectives include tree plantation, anti-dowry awareness campaigns and free distribution of educational materials.
However, the organisation reportedly has not sought approval of its executive committee from the department since its registration.
