NCP calls for elections after full implementation of reform recommendations

Highlights:

• Elections after full implementation of consensus commission's recommendations, NCP says
• Can be achieved within election timeline set by chief adviser
• Reiterates it opposes appointment process of EC made in 2022
• Calls for investigation into last three parliamentary polls

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has urged that national parliamentary elections be held only after the full implementation of the National Consensus Commission's recommendations. 

The party's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary stressed that if the reforms are carried out properly, the election could still take place within the timeline set by the chief adviser.

Nasiruddin made this statement today (20 April) during a press briefing following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission (EC) office in Agargaon, Dhaka. A five-member NCP delegation participated in the meeting.

"A commission was formed to reform the electoral system. The election must be held only after every page and letter of its recommendations are fully implemented. Like before, the student community and the public will no longer allow constitutional bodies to take unlimited time and hold elections at their convenience," Nasiruddin said.

When asked if the NCP had discussed the EC's differing views on 32 of the reform proposals, Nasiruddin said, "The recommendations are still under discussion in the Consensus Commission. Once those talks are complete, the final recommendations will be sent to the constitutional bodies. What matters to us is that these recommendations are fully implemented."

Nasiruddin was further asked how the NCP would react if the election schedule followed the timeline suggested by the chief adviser — between December this year and July next year. He replied, "We want a fair and democratic process. For that, electoral reform is essential."

He added, "The reform will be carried out through the Consensus Commission. If elections are held after the reforms, we hope they will be fair. The CEC has informed us that the EC will reform the provisions under its regulations, while issues needing legal changes will be finalised through the Consensus Commission."

Nasiruddin further said, "We believe the reforms can be completed within the chief adviser's proposed timeframe. We've asked for enough time to finish the second phase of reforms and ensure a fair election."

On 17 April, the NCP submitted an application to the EC, asking for an extension of the deadline for political party registration. In the application, the party called the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022 — which allows appointments through a search committee — "controversial" and demanded that the EC be restructured as part of the ongoing reform process.

When asked whether the NCP was still seeking a full restructuring of the EC and whether the party had confidence in the current commission, Nasiruddin said, "We have clearly said we oppose the appointment process laid out in the 2022 Act, which uses a search committee to select the CEC and other commissioners. If the Consensus Commission recommends reforming this process, and the government acts on it, that will be their decision."

He continued, "Our issue is not with the individuals who are currently commissioners. Our concern is about the institution itself, which is a constitutional body. If the government and the Consensus Commission decide to restructure the EC, we will follow the developments. If no decision is made, we will speak about it when the time comes."

He added, "The 2022 law for appointing the CEC and other commissioners is illegal — we've said this before, and other parties have too. The current EC was formed under this law, and we oppose it. But the people now holding office should be brought under the reform process. 

"Once the Consensus Commission gives its report, if they recommend the current commissioners stay, they will stay. If not, they won't. We have no personal issues with anyone. The future of this institution should be decided according to the Consensus Commission's recommendations."

Nasiruddin also called for an investigation into those involved in the last three national parliamentary elections, demanding they be brought to justice. 

"The Awami League has turned the country and its institutions into a fascist structure. They took away the people's right to vote. The EC is also responsible for this. Those who participated in the last three elections, along with the EC officials and staff involved, must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable. This will ensure that no one working in any constitutional institution dares to support any political party in the future," he said. 

The CEC assured the NCP regarding this demand.