EC begins dialogue with political parties ahead of February polls
"To us, all are equal—there are no big or small parties," said CEC AMM Nasir
The Election Commission (EC) has begun a series of dialogues with registered political parties ahead of the upcoming 13th National Election.
The discussions started around 10am this morning (13 November) at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin presided over the meeting, with election commissioners and the EC secretary in attendance.
You are the main players in the election; we, the EC, are the referees. Without your cooperation, it will be difficult for the referee to manage the game. If the main players do not cooperate, the game itself will come under question
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Six registered political parties took part in today's session: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Bangladesh Congress, Bangladesh Muslim League, National People's Party (NPP), Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh.
'We are the referees'
At the start of the meeting, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin said, "There are currently 54 registered political parties. To us, all are equal—there are no big or small parties. You are the main players in the election; we, the EC, are the referees. Without your cooperation, it will be difficult for the referee to manage the game. If the main players do not cooperate, the game itself will come under question."
The dialogue with registered political parties aims to formulate a framework for a neutral and fair polls. CEC Nasir Uddin set a serious tone for the dialogue, emphasising the necessity of political cooperation to ensure the integrity of the polls.
The CEC further noted that the commission is already under various pressures due to the "special situation" and the current 'special' government. He added that potential talks about holding a referendum, though not yet formally confirmed, would add significantly to the commission's workload.
Given these factors, he stressed that the EC needs "several times more cooperation" from the political parties than before.
Explaining the reason for the delayed dialogue, CEC Nasir said that although it was planned long ago, the Reform Commission and the National Consensus Commission have been discussing with the parties for a long time.
"Everyone was busy in that discussion. The Reform Commission has submitted its report after discussing with the stakeholders. The EC has agreed with many recommendations, and has commented on many as well," he said.
"These consensuses are needed. While the [interim] government's consensus commission is continuing discussions with the party, the EC cannot continue another parallel discussion. If there is a dual discussion with the same party, various comments would have been passed.
"That's why we waited, that is why the dialogue has been postponed."
11-point agenda
The EC is holding the dialogue based on an 11-point agenda designed to establish guidelines for a neutral and smooth election. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, who gave the welcoming speech, introduced the key discussion points, which include determining the responsibilities of candidates and political parties before the electoral schedule announcement, ensuring strict adherence to the electoral code of conduct, and signing necessary undertakings with the political parties, candidates and the returning officers.
The agenda also covers other issues such as discussing the implementation of Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV), ensuring the appointment and management of polling agents after the schedule announcement, and taking steps to prevent misinformation and disinformation.
Furthermore, the EC aims to control the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the election, ensure communal harmony and no discrimination, and prohibit the use of religious places of worship for political campaigning, especially preventing ai-generated videos from attacking opponents, gender, or religious sentiments.
CEC AMM Nasir Uddin also expressed dismay over the continued presence of campaign posters across the capital, despite an EC ban. He also noted that the electoral code of conduct has been published, which he requested the candidates to follow from now on.
"The code of conduct has been published. Please behave accordingly." He called this situation "unwanted" and said, "It would be the most civilised conduct if the parties removed the posters themselves proactively. The commission will not compromise on violations of the code of conduct."
He also expressed grave concern over the misuse of social media, labelling the issue as a "great peril".
