Electoral environment ‘sufficiently good, comparatively better’: EC

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Wednesday said the election in the Sherpur- 3 constituency has been cancelled following the death of a Jamaat-nominated candidate, and that there is no legal scope to announce a new election schedule for the seat before 12 February.

Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission (EC) building, Masud said a minimum of 15 days is required to announce a new schedule, along with time for scrutiny and appeals, making it impossible to hold the election before the upcoming polls.

"We have to allow at least 15 days for the schedule. There are provisions for scrutiny and appeals as well. So at this moment, we cannot say when the election will be held," he said, adding that the commission would decide on a new timetable after internal discussions.

Commenting on the broader electoral situation ahead of the 13th national election and referendum, the commissioner said the overall voting environment remains "sufficiently good" and comparatively better than before.

He urged political parties and their leaders to cooperate with the commission to ensure a peaceful and orderly election. "We request all political parties and their leadership to take necessary measures from their respective sides to help maintain a fair election environment," he said.

Earlier in the day, the EC held a coordination meeting at its secretariat with officials of the Election Commission Secretariat and the Election Training Institute regarding election preparations for the February 12 polls. Four election commissioners were present at the meeting.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, Masud said the commission reviewed its latest preparations and coordination efforts. "In today's {yesterday} meeting, we were briefed on our most recent preparations," he said.

Addressing concerns over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct and law and order issues, Masud said the commission has deployed extensive monitoring and enforcement mechanisms nationwide.

He said 300 electoral inquiry and adjudication committees led by judges are currently working across the country, alongside executive magistrates conducting mobile courts to address violations.

"If anyone violates the code of conduct, we urge people to seek remedy through the electoral inquiry and adjudication committees," he said.

Masud added that executive magistrates have already fined and punished individuals in various places for breaching election rules.

He further said that complaints could also be filed against election officials or law enforcement personnel if they are found to be biased or involved in misconduct. In serious cases, he said, the commission may take cognisance on its own and order investigations.

On questions regarding alleged misbehaviour by candidates with law enforcement agencies, including reports involving the army in Dhaka-17 constituency, Masud said such matters would be examined on a case-by-case basis following investigation.

"If a violation is established based on evidence, the commission will take appropriate action accordingly," he said.