We need your insights to close gaps: CEC consults experts on preventing election fraud
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said the Election Commission wants to learn from those with field experience in past elections to identify loopholes and prevent manipulation in the upcoming national polls.
"We want to hear from those who have worked in the field," the CEC said while addressing a meeting with election experts at the Election Commission office in Agargaon today (7 October).
"Many of you know how fraud can be committed. You will advise us where to intervene so that manipulation does not happen in the election," he said.
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The discussion is part of a series of dialogues the Election Commission is holding with various stakeholders to ensure that the 13th National Parliament Election, scheduled for February, is free, fair, and peaceful.
All four election commissioners and other senior officials attended the meeting. Eight former EC officials and one election observer joined the dialogue as experts.
In his opening remarks, the CEC said, "You have worked here and were practically involved. You know more than us where the gaps remain and where there are opportunities for manipulation. We need your insights to close those gaps."
The election experts present included former EC officials Md Zakaria, Khandaker Mizanur Rahman, Md Nuruzzaman Talukdar, Mihir Sarwar Morshed, Shah Alam, Mir Mohammad Shahjahan, Misbah Uddin Ahmad, Md Shahedunnabi Chowdhury, and Mahfuza Akter, as well as Fair Election Movement Association President Munira Khan.
Many of the participating officials had previously served in various missions and held positions such as acting secretary, joint secretary, deputy secretary, and regional election officer.
"You are the real experts of elections. You have worked hands-on and know the process better than anyone. We are proud to have you with us today," he said.
"Many recommendations of the Reform Commission have already been implemented, and discussions with stakeholders have helped ease our responsibilities," he added.
Addressing the limited attendance at the meeting, the CEC said it was intentional. "We have already held discussions with academics and civil society representatives. Today's focus is on hearing practical experiences from the field. You know how fraud can be committed. You will tell us where manipulation happens and how it can be stopped," he said.
He added, "You will identify the areas where gaps exist and where manipulation is possible. We want to organise our preparations based on your valuable advice so that we can address the shortcomings effectively. The number of participants is not important—quality is."
Sharing updates on electoral preparations, the CEC said deceased voters had been removed from the list, while new and previously excluded individuals had been added.
He noted that the number of female voters had increased and voter interest had grown.
"Postal ballots were previously on record but not implemented. Now, we have introduced a foolproof and appropriate system under a hybrid model. Registration has become IT-supported, and in addition to expatriate Bangladeshis, three groups within the country will also be able to vote by postal ballot," he said.
The CEC also said the Election Commission had taken several new initiatives and would face many challenges, including tackling misinformation on social media.
"I consider this my last opportunity to do something for the country. I have nothing to gain personally. My commitment is to deliver a credible, transparent, and acceptable election to the nation," he said, calling for a collective effort to achieve that goal.
The Election Commission began its dialogue phase on 28 September with civil society members and academics. Yesterday (6 October), discussions were held with media representatives in two sessions.
The CEC said political parties would be consulted later in the ongoing series of discussions with different stakeholders.
Today's sessions included meetings with election experts in the morning and women leaders in the afternoon.
The invitation letter sent to participants stated that holding a free, fair, and peaceful election is a shared expectation. It said voters want to cast their votes safely and without obstruction in a festive atmosphere, and that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all.
The letter also noted that necessary election laws and regulations are being updated to keep them relevant and that trained manpower is in place.
Even so, the commission seeks suggestions and cooperation from all quarters—political parties, academics, intellectuals, civil society members, journalists, election experts, observers, women leaders, and freedom fighters—to successfully conduct the national election.
The dialogue phase will continue for about one to one and a half months, with plans to meet registered political parties later this month.
The constitutional body plans to hold the election in the first half of February, before Ramadan, and announce the schedule in the first half of December.
