Govt asks EC to hold referendum alongside election on same day
“We received the letter on Thursday. In the letter, the government has said that holding a referendum will be the EC’s responsibility and also asked the commission to arrange the election alongside the referendum on the same day," EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed says
The interim government has instructed the Election Commission to organise a referendum on the same day as the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said today (22 November).
Speaking at an event, the secretary said, "The Cabinet Division sent the letter to the commission, directing it to begin necessary preparations for holding a referendum."
"We received the letter on Thursday. In the letter, the government has said that holding a referendum will be the EC's responsibility and also asked the commission to arrange the election alongside the referendum on the same day," he added.
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Earlier, on 13 November, the chief adviser announced that the referendum and the parliamentary polls would take place on the same day.
At a separate event, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said, "Preparations for the election are already in full swing, but holding the national polls and a referendum on the same day would be a major challenge."
"Once the law is enacted, we will know what kind of preparations are required for the referendum. After the law is passed, the commission will fully prepare for it," he said, adding that the law adviser has said that the ordinance for the referendum is expected to be finalised within the next two to three days.
The CEC further said, "Whatever the challenges, the EC will hold the referendum and the national election on the same day. We have no option but to move forward."
He noted that separate ballot papers and relevant logistical arrangements will be required for the two processes.
