EC alone can’t ensure fair polls, consensus among parties also crucial: CEC

The Election Commission alone cannot ensure free and fair elections, newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Monday, adding that consensus among political parties also is important in this respect.

Mentioning that the power of the commission is not without limit and that it is the commission's role to create a favourable atmosphere for all parties during the election period, he said the EC can perform effectively only when the political parties come to a common ground on this issue.

"Political parties also have some roles to play in making the election fruitful. If they do not play that role, it will make them questionable, it will also make the Election Commission questionable," the CEC said while addressing the media on his first day in office.

At the press conference, held at the media centre of the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon, CEC Awal said the commission would perform its duty of holding elections with sincerity and integrity.

He, however, urged political parties to take part in discussions keeping aside egotism.

He requested parties to show a compromising attitude, and said, "They [political leaders] are much more knowledgeable and more experienced than us. We will request them to compromise and reach a common ground that will help to hold elections well where there will be no violence and no obstructions.

"We will cooperate with the political leadership. But if they do not support each other and do not show minimal compromise, we cannot be an effective mediator either."

He said, "We will be responsible for carrying out the election with honesty and integrity. You will be able to evaluate us later."

He also expressed hope that all political parties would take part in any election – aiming to make the country's democracy stronger.

The CEC stressed that a vibrant parliament would be formed through the participation of all in the forthcoming 12th national elections in the country.

Regarding the BNP's announcement to boycott elections, he said nothing is the last word in politics and that the EC will invite the party for tea.

"Leaving the field will not help. Stay on the field even if it is tough. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy could have fled but he continues to fight and resist."

Replying to a query about the BNP's demand for an election-time government, the CEC said the government does not hold elections but there will always be some government during the polls.

"We will try to abide by the existing constitutional provisions. The biggest challenge for voters is to go to the polls and cast their ballots. We are optimistic. Trust us.

"Administering elections is a huge undertaking, especially the national election where political parties have an interest. Everyone's emotions have to be taken into account," he continued.

Election commissioners Begum Rasheda Sultana, Brigadier General (retd) Ahsan Habib Khan, retired Senior Secretary Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman also were present at the briefing.

Earlier on Saturday, the president constituted the new election commission based on the recommendation of the search committee. The commissioners were sworn in the following day.