EC ready to hold election anytime, will announce date in consultation with govt: CEC
EC not yet in a position to confirm the date for the next national election, he says
The Election Commission is ready to hold the national elections as soon as the interim government gives an official clearance to announce the date, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said today (15 June).
The commission is ready to organise the election as soon as the government provides a clear indication, he told reporters at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka, in response to a question.
"If we receive any guidance from the government, we are ready to conduct the election accordingly. We have already made significant progress on many of the necessary preparations for holding the election," he added.
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However, he noted that the commission has not yet received any official clearance from the government to set the election date.
He went on to say that the election date will be finalised after discussions with the government, although the timing of these discussions has not been determined.
The EC is not yet in a position to confirm the date for the next national election, he said, adding, "I cannot say that date now, that the election will be on 'such and such' day."
"We have received a 'joint statement,' but it does not bear anyone's signature. If there was someone's signature, then it could be understood," he further said.
Emphasising the impartiality expected of election officials, he said they have been instructed to work with integrity and avoid any involvement in party politics.
He added, "The EC will not act on anyone's orders or instructions, nor will it work on behalf of any political party. It is unrealistic to think that someone can steal the ballot box and get away with it. The commission will not allow this to happen this time. No one will be given the opportunity to manipulate the election process."
CEC Nasir Uddin further warned that vote terrorists will face strict consequences, stating, "This is bad news for vote terrorists. No one will be spared if they engage in vote terrorism. The EC will maintain zero tolerance towards such actions."
Earlier in the day, the CEC held an exchange meeting with Election Commission officials at the headquarters in Agargaon, where he said the commission was steadily progressing with its preparations.
He also reiterated the EC's commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
"The EC will act as a referee in the election. Those who want to play will play, and those who win will win. Our responsibility is to ensure a fair field – and we are determined to do so," said the CEC addressing the meeting.
He also instructed EC officials to carry out their duties with utmost neutrality and fairness.
The meeting, held after Eid-ul-Adha holidays, was attended by the four election commissioners, the EC secretary, and other senior officials.
