EC will carry out urgent reforms within its purview before polls: CEC

The Election Commission will carry out reforms that are within its powers before the national elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has said.

He made the remarks after the newly-appointed Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, paid a call on him at the Agargaon Election Building today.

"The Australian high commissioner asked about preparations made by the EC for the next parliamentary elections, and they have been informed in detail," the CEC told the media after the meeting, noting that Australia had assured all kinds of assistance if needed.

The CEC said he asked the Australian envoy to assess the support offered by the UNDP and, if they see any scope, they can get involved in the process.

Regarding election preparations, he said the progress of the voter list update, procurement and legal reforms were highlighted at the meeting.

He noted that the EC sees voter registration as a major one, and has almost brought it to an end. The tender work for procurement of necessary equipment is ongoing. 

Also, the issue of demarcation of constituencies has been sent for amendment to the law.

"The time for registering political parties has been extended by two months. Efforts are underway to amend the code of conduct, and regarding an observer policy," the CEC added.

He mentioned that the EC's immediately implementable reform works are being put forward before the National Consensus Commission, which will look into the reforms related to politics.

"The EC is working on those things that it thinks can be done before the elections."

Earlier, the Australian High Commissioner said they had fruitful discussions with the EC, and his country expects free and fair elections in Bangladesh.