Trust deficit of voters a key challenge for election: EC

The Election Commission (EC) has identified the lack of voter confidence as the most significant challenge facing the electoral process at this time, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said today (4 December). 

"Rebuilding trust in the electoral system is essential," he said after a meeting with the Electoral Reform Commission at the Election Commission Building in the capital's Agargaon this afternoon.

Discussing the meeting's agenda, the commissioner said, "We talked about how to ensure fair elections. The focus is on conducting a fair and credible election. We are aware of the context and the major deficiencies in the system, particularly the lack of trust, which we all recognise."

When asked about the primary challenge to fair elections, he replied, "The biggest issue is the lack of trust in the electoral system, and restoring that trust is our priority."

Regarding how to restore trust, he said, "It's a complex process and cannot be summarised in one statement."

When asked if the meeting addressed the timing of the upcoming elections, he clarified, "There was no discussion on when the elections should be held. The focus was on how to conduct them effectively and ensure they are credible."

He further said, "We decided to exchange information and hope to hold more meetings for detailed discussions. This will help us refine our approach and share more specific insights, drawing on past experiences."

When questioned about whether the commission is creating a roadmap for its work, he responded, "There was no such discussion in today's meeting. Our goal remains the same: to hold a fair and credible election, whenever and however it may be possible."

Election related crimes must be prosecuted

After the meeting, Badiul Alam Majumder, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, emphasised the need for accountability for crimes committed during previous elections. 

"These crimes must be prosecuted. We have discussed this matter as well. Those whose guilt is proven should face justice," he said.

When asked whether accountability would extend to the past three Election Commissions or all previous commissions, he responded, "Anyone who has committed crimes should be held accountable. However, this was not discussed in detail." 

He also noted that Sections 73 to 90 of the RPO outline election offenses, which were reviewed for proper enforcement.

Previous Election Commission argued that it could not punish election offenses after the declaration of results. Addressing this, Majumder stated, "They could have taken action if they wanted. The court has clearly ruled that offenses can be investigated and acted upon before the gazette is issued. Based on investigations, they could have cancelled the election."

He further pointed out that the commission not only had the power to annul elections but also to order re-elections, provided investigations warranted it. 

"Unfortunately, these powers were not utilised," he added.