EC targets September for local govt election schedule announcement : CEC
The commission wants to hold the first phase of voting by year-end but may push back the timetable depending on annual exams and Durga Puja
The Election Commission plans to announce the schedule for local government elections by mid-September, although it may defer it to October if necessary, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said today (27 August).
"We intend to announce the schedule by the middle of September. If necessary, it may be given in October," the CEC told reporters at the Election Commission headquarters after paying a courtesy call on the president.
The commission wants to begin the first phase of local government elections by the end of this year, he said.
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Nasir Uddin said the timing would depend on several factors, including annual examinations and Durga Puja. The commission will request the relevant authorities not to hold annual examinations in November so that local government elections can begin from December.
"Even if everything is ready, the EC does not have complete control over fixing election dates in this country," he said, noting that SSC examinations are scheduled for early next year.
The CEC said the commission discussed the elections and other issues with the president during their nearly 40-minute meeting and sought his cooperation in ensuring credible and acceptable local government elections.
The president assured the commission of all-out cooperation, he said, adding that the president wants to institutionalise democracy in the country.
The CEC said the commission is fully prepared to hold both the local government elections and the by-election to Thakurgaon-1.
The commission will soon hold a meeting with law enforcement agencies ahead of the elections, while necessary procurement for the polls has already been completed.
Postal voting will also be available in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election, he added.
