Remove all posters already put up: CEC to political parties
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has warned that strict measures will be taken to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct ahead of the national election.
Speaking at a dialogue this morning (13 November) at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, he urged all political parties to remove all posters that have been put up before the election schedule is announced.
The CEC also said, "No leniency will be shown in case of any violation of the code of conduct."
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"The draft of the code of conduct had been published on the commission's website," he mentioned, adding that various political parties and stakeholders had submitted their opinions, which were incorporated into the final version.
"The Representation of the People Order [RPO] was issued on 3 November, and the code of conduct was published on 10 November. Discussion started right after that," Nasir Uddin said.
The CEC added, "One thing needs to be made clear. Please don't take it otherwise. Whenever a party gets registered by the EC, it will be gazetted. Currently, there are 54 registered parties. For us, there is no big or small party. All are equal before the commission."
"Those registered with us are all equal. Your valuable opinions and suggestions will be examined, and if found logical, we'll accept them because they will benefit us," he said.
The CEC sought cooperation from political parties at all three stages of the election – before, during, and after polling day.
He expressed concern that Dhaka city has already been covered with posters. "Right now, Dhaka is plastered with posters. Many have already put them up even though we have banned posters and informed the public through the media."
"These posters must be removed. We will not allow them. I'm giving advance notice. Those who have put up posters, please take them down yourselves. That would be courteous behaviour. And no one should put up new posters," he said.
The CEC further said, "Look, you [political parties] will play the game. You are the players, and we are the referees. We truly want to remain completely neutral referees. Without your cooperation, it will be very difficult to perform the referee's role and to ensure the game runs smoothly.
"We are committed to giving the nation a fair, beautiful, and acceptable election with your cooperation."
He urged everyone to comply with the code of conduct, which has already been published. "The code of conduct has been released. Please behave accordingly. Any party that doesn't follow it, we will assume their intentions are not clear. We will not spare anyone in such cases," he warned.
"Wherever violations occur, we will take immediate action once the schedule is announced. I hope all posters will be removed politely and no new ones will be put up," Nasir Uddin said.
