EC to require candidates in each constituency to announce manifestos on shared platform
Additionally, the commission will assist political parties in carrying out their election campaigns on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar after the announcement of the election schedule in December.
In the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, all candidates contesting from a parliamentary constituency will be required to announce their election manifestos on the same platform, on the same day.
According to the Election Commission's (EC) roadmap, the returning officer of each constituency will arrange the platform immediately after the allocation of symbols.
The event will be held in the presence of voters and other stakeholders, ensuring equal opportunity for every candidate to present their manifestos. District election offices will also be involved in organising these gatherings.
Additionally, the commission will assist political parties in carrying out their election campaigns on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar after the announcement of the election schedule in December.
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The roadmap states that political parties will be given the opportunity to broadcast campaign messages and speeches of their party leaders through BTV and Betar.
The EC will send formal letters to arrange this after the schedule is announced.
The decision further allows private electronic media outlets to broadcast these state-run transmissions once aired on BTV and Betar.
The EC has already confirmed that the election will be held before Ramadan next year, with the schedule expected to be declared in the first half of December.
Earlier today, the commission unveiled its election roadmap, with a target to hold the polls in the first half of February next year before Ramadan starts.
Speaking to reporters, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed reiterated that the election schedule will be announced approximately 60 days before polling day. "The Chief Adviser's Office has asked us to hold the election before Ramadan.
"If I'm not mistaken, Ramadan will begin on 17 or 18 February, depending on the moon sighting. From this, you can calculate the probable election date."
