No invitation for observers who certified last 3 elections as credible: CEC

Foreign observers who previously certified the last three elections as acceptable credible will not be allowed to monitor the upcoming national election, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said today (8 July).

"Why should we invite those foreign observers who certified the last three elections? Should we take all the observers who certified that the last three elections were very good elections, acceptable credible elections?" he told reporters after a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.

Nasir Uddin said the commission will invite the foreign observers who are dependable and reliable and also have experiences of observing elections in different countries. 

"So, we will take [invite] them and will minus those who certified the previous three elections," he said.

He also expressed optimism that a huge number of foreign observers would come to watch the next general election.

EC taking strong steps to curb AI misuse ahead of national election

Nasir said the Election Commission is working on containing the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on digital platforms during the next parliamentary election.

The commission has also sought assistance from Canada in preventing the abuse of AI.

"AI misuse may be a big threat for us. We've sought their (Canada's) assistance on how to address this issue because Canada had an election last year. So, they had to face such issues as well. We've sought suggestions based on their experiences. We are seriously working on this issue," said the CEC.

The CEC said when Canadian diplomats wanted to know the election preparation and if this commission will be able to deliver the next election properly, the commission informed details about the preparation.

He said they wanted to know about the areas where they can assist the Election Commission.

Nasir Uddin said the Commission will start an awareness-raising campaign on a massive scale across the country and voter education. 

The EC also informed there will be training programmes for polling staff, election observers and polling agents ahead of the next election, he added.

In this regard, the envoy said Canada is with the Bangladesh Election Commission. "Canada is ready to help you and it will continue," he was quoted as saying.

"They want us to have free, fair and credible elections," said the CEC adding that they emphasised the inclusion of females in voter registration and wanted to know about the campaign in the hilly areas.

"They [foreign countries] have full confidence in the Election Commission that this Commission is able to deliver a free, fair and credible election. Canada is very happy hearing our commitments. They are highly satisfied," said Nasir Uddin.

"When they [Canadian diplomats] asked if there is any specific date for the next general election, I said no," the CEC said.

CEC urges officials to restore trust and ensure fair polls

Nasir Uddin said the image of the police and administration has been tarnished in recent elections. 

"We were once government employees. It pains me deeply when people accuse us of ballot-stuffing and rigging during midnight elections. Everyone is having to bear the blame."

Addressing journalists, he said, "Through you, I want to appeal to my colleagues – whether from the administration, police, other law enforcement agencies, or presiding officers, in short, everyone involved with the election process – that we must all work together to ensure a free and fair election."

He added, "We have repeatedly proven that we were able to conduct fair elections in 1991, 1996, and 2001. We will do it again, this time – we must. Inshallah, we will prove it again. We have the capability, the competence, and if we are willing, we can achieve this. I want to send that message to my colleagues, especially those directly involved in the election."

"Our image – especially that of the administration – has been seriously affected. The image of the police has been seriously affected. The image of the law enforcement agencies has been seriously affected. This election is the opportunity to restore that image."

"To my colleagues who will be involved in this election, I make a humble appeal: earn the respect of the people. Rise above the damaged image. We want to prove that we can do it, that government officials can do it, that law enforcement can do it – if they are truly sincere."