Confident of delivering free, fair and credible elections: Newly-appointed CEC says after oath
On the timing of the election, he said it would be held after completing the necessary reforms in the Election Commission.
Newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin expressed confidence today in being able to deliver a credible, free and fair election.
Speaking after taking oath before the Chief Justice today (24 November) at the Supreme Court, he said, "I have a very efficient team of election commissioners. We will not be able to do it alone, but with the cooperation of everyone, including the media, and the support of the people and political parties. Together, we will provide the nation with a free, fair, and credible election."
On the timing of the election, he said it would be held after completing the necessary reforms in the Election Commission.
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"It is not possible to say exactly when the election will be held. We will complete the required reforms first. I will take up my responsibilities, understand the tasks, and then proceed accordingly," he said.
In response to a question about election commission reforms, he said, "Reform is an ongoing process. But to conduct an election, certain essential reforms are required. For example, some are calling for proportional representation elections, while others advocate for the previous method. If the Constitution does not provide a solution to this, how can we conduct the election?" he added.
He then said to conduct an election, they need a new voter list with the younger generation who will be eager to vote year after year.
The CEC also said the Election Reform Commission is currently working and they will take their advice and the acceptable suggestions will be implemented.
"The Constitutional Reform Commission is working, and they will provide many suggestions. I am a product of the Constitution, my team is a product of the Constitution. If the Constitution is not fixed, our journey will go astray," he said.
He further said, "There is not much time left. The government has given time until December, which is not far away; it is very little time. Please be assured that our intentions are correct.
"Also, there has never been such an opportunity before, and not only we, but the political parties that will participate in the election have been demanding for 15/16 years that they want voting rights and free elections. So, we will get their cooperation, and we will help implement their demands," he added.
He also said people of this country have been denied their right to vote and have struggled for free and fair elections, making sacrifices over the years, with many even losing their lives.
The CEC further said, "Previous Election Commissions violated their oaths, but I will not do that. I consider this role as a great opportunity in my life, an opportunity to serve the nation."
