Nagorik Oikya first sought 'Shapla' and was denied, why the debate now, asks CEC
Polls will be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan, in line with the RPO, not the Proportional Representation system, which is excluded from both the RPO and the Constitution, the CEC also said
The Election Commission will hold a meeting to review the letter sent by the National Citizen Party (NCP) requesting the allocation for the "Shapla" symbol, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said today (25 September).
"We will review the NCP's letter in the Election Commission meeting before making any decision. I will not decide alone. After a discussion, we will decide the next steps," he said while speaking to journalists at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon.
Yesterday, the NCP formally applied to the Election Commission (EC) seeking inclusion of the "Shapla" (water lily), "White Shapla" or "Red Shapla", as an electoral symbol by amending the provisions of The Conduct of Election Rules, 2008.
Political leaders have raised much debate over the Shapla symbol, in regards to which, the CEC noted that the EC had rejected Nagorik Oikya's request for the symbol before the NCP requested it, raising questions about the continued discussion.
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He said, "NCP requested the Shapla symbol, and that is why it is being discussed. But Nagorik Oikya wanted it first, and they did not bring it up for discussion then. Why so much discussion now? We did not give it to Nagorik Oikya. The EC secretary has already spoken on this, and I don't want to elaborate further."
The final list of election symbols was published on Wednesday. Although the EC Secretary had allowed parties to apply for alternative symbols, NCP again applied for the Shapla symbol.
Regarding NCP, he said that any party can submit a letter. "NCP led the uprising, so there is no problem in submitting letters. Politicians accommodate things in the interest of the country. We will consider the letters and see what can be done."
"Nagorik Oikya first requested Shapla, which we did not give. NCP requested it later, and they submitted a second request. The Commission has already decided on Nagorik Oikya. A decision on NCP will also follow."
When asked if NCP insisting on the Shapla symbol is a threat, the CEC said, "Politicians can say many things. We will follow the law. I do not consider it a threat. They are not anti-national. They are patriotic. This is not a threat to the country or to us."
February polls according to RPO, not PR
Several parties have called for elections under the proportional representation (PR) system.
In response to a question, Nasir Uddin said, "I have the RPO [Representation of the People Order] before me, and this PR [proportional representation] system is not included in it. The method we currently follow does not include the PR in the RPO. We will conduct the election according to the law.
The Proportional Representation system is also not in the Constitution, said the CEC.
When asked whether it would be possible to hold elections in February under the PR system, the CEC replied, "Then the law would have to be amended, the RPO would have to be changed. And if the system in the RPO is to be altered, the Constitution would also need to be amended. If I say the Constitution has to be amended, then people will speak against me, as they oppose PR."
The CEC expressed hope for political consensus, "Let the discussions and decisions take place. We are waiting for February. The election will be held according to the Constitution and RPO. The schedule will be announced two months before the election, which will be held before Ramadan."
National polls before Ramadan in first half of February
CEC also mentioned that the 13th national election will be held in the first half of February next year.
Further details on the election schedule will be announced in due course, the CEC said.
"We are working impartially," the CEC said, adding that the Election Commission is working to create a level playing field, as per the desire of political parties.
Final preparations are underway to hold the elections in February, he said, adding, "We are taking all necessary steps vigorously. We are working for this historic election."
He said cooperation from all stakeholders is needed. "We are not acting on anyone's words. We will follow the law and Constitution. Political parties are our main stakeholders. Without their cooperation, a smooth election is not possible."
The CEC said he will use all resources to ensure equal opportunities for everyone in the upcoming election.
He also expressed hope for political consensus. "No one has told me they will foul in the election. I hope everyone will cooperate. The government is holding discussions with parties. The EC is also conducting dialogues. Various [world] leaders have met with the chief adviser in New York. I trust the politicians."
Despite attempts at disorder, the CEC is confident that, as in the past, everything will settle. "There was chaos before the 1991 elections, but it settled. The same happened before the 1996 elections and in 2008. Opinions will differ, but everyone will come together in the national interest."
Security and observers
Answering a question on election security, the CEC said that the armed personnel will be present, and the EC will ensure equal opportunities for all.
"No politician has said they will foil. They want to play fairly and want a level playing field. We will do our utmost to ensure that. The home adviser expects 100,000 members to participate. I am confident; there is no reason to fear."
Regarding domestic and foreign observers, the CEC said, "We will not restrict foreign observers; as many as want to come can come. We are transparent. There is nothing hidden or to fear."
New party registrations still underway
The registration of new parties is due to be completed by September.
In this regard, the CEC said, "Work is progressing rapidly. Our target was to complete it this month. Various parties have raised complaints, so we need to collect extra information to ensure they have provided correct details. That is why it is taking time."
He added that notices must be published for parties. Even after a preliminary notice, the final decision is not immediate. Any objections must be resolved before finalisation.
When asked which parties will be registered, the CEC declined to comment.
"Our work is not based on intelligence agencies; we are following our own procedures," he said.
Regarding Jatiyo Party (JaPa)
Only time will tell whether the Jatiyo Party will be invited to the EC dialogue, said the CEC.
When asked whether the EC will invite the party to the dialogue, the CEC said, "Let the time come. The dialogue has not started yet. The consensus commission is still having a dialogue. We will do it a little later. We will discuss with the civil society and others and sit with the party at the end.
"The Jatiyo Party, led by GM Quader, is registered with the EC. A section of Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Howlader has written to the EC claiming they are the original party."
"Currently, there is a political debate [about the party], let's see what the situation is."
