Local elections to drop use of party symbols: Reform commission head
We have held discussions with our stakeholders and taken their advice. Based on their suggestions, positive changes will be made in all areas, he says
Highlights
- Local elections to drop party symbols
- Decision based on stakeholder consultations for fairer elections
- Reform proposals on laws, structures, and services to follow
Local elections will no longer be conducted using party symbols, Local Government Reform Commission head Professor Dr Tofail Ahmed said today (14 January).
"We have held discussions with our stakeholders and taken their advice. Based on their suggestions, positive changes will be made in all areas. Local elections will no longer be held with party symbols, as done in the past," he made the remark during a discussion meeting at the Singair Upazila Parishad conference hall in Manikganj.
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He also mentioned that proposals regarding laws, structures, and service activities related to local government reforms will be presented.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr Monowar Hossain Mollah.
During the event, speeches were delivered by Additional Police Superintendent Mohammad Wares, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Sohag, and members of the Election Commission.
Speakers said that the previous government had politicized local elections, allocated party symbols, and manipulated votes to ensure victory for party candidates, thereby ruining the electoral system. They emphasized the need to move away from this situation and organize fair elections.
The meeting, organised by the Local Government Reform Commission, was attended by 103 representatives from various professions, including former local representatives and political party members.
On 17 November 2024, the government formed the eight-member Local Government Reform Commission.
