EC moves to prepare polling officers’ panel, excluding controversial officials
Members of any political party are strictly prohibited from being included in the list
The Election Commission (EC) has instructed its field-level offices to prepare a list of polling officials for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, excluding controversial officials.
A letter issued yesterday (1 September), signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain, outlines the process.
All district election officers have been directed to compile a panel by 30 October, which will be used to appoint presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers.
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The directive specifies that officials or employees with disputed competence or impartiality must not be included.
The list is to be compiled from various government, semi-government, autonomous, private offices, and educational institutions.
When selecting polling officials, the EC emphasises prioritising honesty, skill, impartiality, courage, rank, seniority, and efficiency.
Members of any political party are strictly prohibited from being included.
The EC also noted that details on an official's age and physical or mental fitness should be documented if necessary.
The commission is currently preparing to hold the national elections in the first half of February.
