Cooperation among govt, parties and candidates needed to ensure fair polls: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has emphasised that organising free, fair, and impartial elections solely relies on the cooperation of the government's goodwill, political parties, and candidates, rather than the Election Commission (EC) alone.

"Thus far, I have not encountered any interference from the government. However, I cannot predict what the future holds," said the CEC after a meeting with a Jatiya Party (JaPa) delegation at the Election Commission Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon on Monday, expressing optimism that the government would demonstrate a commitment to holding fair elections.

Kazi Habibul Awal also stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive electoral environment.

The CEC further said that the role of the police force has been received so far, if they are in such a neutral position, it will be possible for the commission to conduct the election very well.

However, during the meeting with the EC, JaPa Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu expressed concerns about their previous experiences with local government elections.

"We have fears [of irregularities] about the upcoming five city corporation elections...We are facing issues in certain areas, and some matters are questionable. Hence, I have urged the CEC to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections," Chunnu told reporters.

Responding to a question from reporters, he said, "We are currently concerned about the fairness of the elections. However, we have no alternative but to hope for a fair vote. I have shared these concerns because I have confidence in the EC".

"If the Election Commission has a good attitude and acts bravely, a good election will be possible. We want to help them," added Chunnu.

Drawing attention to the alleged misconduct of the returning officer assigned to the upcoming Barishal City Corporation polls, the senior JaPa leader said, "The returning officer (RO) is favouring the ruling party candidate. He even misbehaved with our candidate.

"Our candidate has written to the CEC, requesting the withdrawal of the RO for Barisal city polls. Our candidate believes that this officer's presence will hinder a fair voting process. We share the same sentiment," he added.

Meanwhile, the Jatiya Party, also the main opposition in the Parliament, nominated its candidates for the five city corporation polls to be held in May and June, with the BNP remaining absent.