EC now 'spineless', influenced by political interests: NCP

Nasir Uddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has slammed the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of losing its independence and calling it a "spineless institution cloaked in partisan attire."

"We are seeing more and more signs that the Commission is being taken over—its organs cloaked in military uniforms, and those who remain are veiled in political colours," Patwari said while speaking to reporters following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner today (3 August). 

He said, "Yet, we are still offering them a chance to correct the course." 

The NCP leader accused the current commission of systematically depriving citizens of their electoral rights. 

Highlighting what he termed a shift in tactics, he said, "If anyone other than a particular party tries to participate in the electoral process, disruptions are engineered. This is the direction the situation is heading."

"In the last 15 years, people haven't been able to vote. Now, even those who want to contest democratically are being hindered," he added.

Calling the EC a vital constitutional institution, Patwari said the NCP had submitted its application for party registration and would, if necessary, lay bare the Commission's flaws to the public. "We are still giving them the opportunity to reform themselves. But soon, through our actions and disclosures, people will come to see just how compromised this Commission truly is."

Justifying the NCP's engagement in the democratic process, he said, "We are committed to democracy because many were martyred for this right. That is why we have taken to the streets, and that is why we are engaging with the EC."

When asked whether the party would participate in elections under the current Commission, Patwari replied that no final decision had yet been made. "We've made it clear: for the past 15 years, we haven't been able to cast our votes, nor is there a proper system to receive votes. If I'm prevented from accepting votes when people want to cast them for me, why should we take part? This remains an open-ended issue for now."

He acknowledged the Commission's apparent partisan bias but noted that the party would monitor the evolving situation before making a final decision. "We are consistently engaging with them, pointing out their errors, and allowing them room for correction," he said.

"In the past, even during protest movements, we allowed for such chances. We told them not to resort to violence, not to open fire. But if the Election Commission continues to wear military and political uniforms, sells off its integrity, and deprives people of their vote, we will ultimately be compelled to take a definitive stance."

The NCP delegation also included Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Joint Convenor Khaled Saifullah, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa.