EC will ensure a million election officials get voting access: CEC
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin says arrangements will also be made for prisoners and government officials who are away from their constituencies at the time of polling.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has pledged to secure voting rights for officials involved in the electoral process, addressing a concern that nearly a million people involved in the electoral process would otherwise be unable to vote.
Speaking at a dialogue with civil society representatives at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, today (28 September), Nasir said the Election Commission is working on arrangements for out-of-country voting as well as ensuring the franchise of those engaged in election duty on polling day, reports UNB.
"Almost a million people are involved in the electoral process. They cannot vote. Returning officers and presiding officers cannot vote. We will address it, Inshallah, and ensure the voting rights of all," he added.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The CEC said arrangements will also be made for prisoners and government officials who are away from their constituencies at the time of polling. These initiatives will become milestones for the Election Commission, he hoped.
After everyone had spoken at the event, the CEC said he wants to ensure a transparent election, telling them, "We will try to implement your suggestions. It will not be like in the past.
"We are restoring the power to cancel an entire constituency's election. With everyone's cooperation, we can hold a smooth and fair election."
He continued, "We want to make the election transparent. We want to ensure that everyone can see the process. Foreign observers will be welcome. We also want to register as many domestic observers as possible."
Talking about the voter list, Nasir said the commission identified 2.1 million deceased voters and removed them.
Looking at representatives of civil society, the CEC said, "Tell people to come out and vote. You can confidently advocate on our behalf."
He added that he does not talk on the phone due to fear of call record leaks, adding, "Our doors are always open for you. We will accept your recommendations at any time."
