Parties call for free, inclusive polls, CEC seeks political consensus
After talks, CEC Awal said the EC has no mandate to resolve the crisis between political parties
The Election Commission (EC) convened a meeting with registered political parties on Saturday, during which the parties collectively called for a free, fair, and participatory national election.
Eighteen out of the 44 registered parties chose not to participate in the EC's discussions regarding the commission's preparation for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal oversaw the discussions taking place at the Election Commission building in Dhaka's Agargaon.
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After the discussion, CEC Awal told the media that the commission has no mandate to resolve the crisis between political parties given the limited time in hand ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections.
The parties should discuss amongst themselves and resolve the crisis, and create a favourable [election] environment, he said.
He also urged the BNP to join the polls, the CEC said.
Following the discussions, several representatives from the participating parties spoke to the media. Following are key points from their statements:
Awami League Presidium Member Colonel (retd) Faruk Khan:
"Elections are not obligatory with the BNP; many countries have examples of parties choosing not to participate. BNP not receiving the EC's invitation is regrettable. Parties without public support tend to avoid elections.
"We want a fair election with active voter participation. We perceive a fair election environment, and it's expected to improve further."
Acting Secretary General of National Democratic Movement (NDM) Mominul Alam:
"I've called for a delay in the election schedule announcement until a political consensus is achieved and the demand for a non-partisan government system is addressed. Participating in elections under the current political conditions is akin to self-sabotage; it is important to create a conducive environment for elections."
Chairman of Islamic Front Bangladesh Syed Bahadur Shah:
"People in Bangladesh seek genuine elections, not a repeat of the farces from 2014 and 2018. We demand a free, fair, and impartial election, and the Islamic Front Bangladesh will boycott the elections if they resemble 2018."
President of Bangladesh Congress Kazi Rezaul Hossain:
"We urge for polling stations free from party influence and suggest securing candidates and voters, along with the installation of CCTV cameras in polling stations."
President of Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) SM Abul Kalam Azad:
"The election should be conducted under the EC, not the government. The commission is responsible for shaping the election environment. Our participation in the national elections will depend on the announcement of the election schedule."
General Secretary of Insaniyat Biplob Raihan Rahbar:
"An army-supervised election with the formation of a polls-time government is essential. I asked EC to install CCTV cameras in all polling stations and ensure media workers have unrestricted access to collect news during elections."
General Secretary of Gonoforum Dr Md Mizanur Rahman:
"The announcement of the election schedule coincided with an open assault on opposition workers by ruling party members during our rally. While we trust the EC to maintain fairness, doubts remain due to the administration's interference and the ruling party's influence."
Chairman of Gonofront Md Zakir Hossain:
"We advocate for a polls-time political government, not a national or caretaker government. Our participation in elections hinges on the presence of a political government."
President of Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) Ivy Ahmed:
"The international community is closely monitoring the upcoming elections. Therefore, the EC holds a higher responsibility than in previous elections.
"The CEC mentioned that while the election environment is not entirely favourable, it's not completely unfavourable either. We must proceed, even if it's not perfect."
General Secretary of Trinamool BNP Taimur Alam Khandkar:
"To gain public confidence in elections, the commission must take more proactive measures. We are evaluating the EC's promises and preparations to ensure a fair, inclusive, and participatory election environment that instil confidence in the people."
Bangladesh Tarikat Federation Spokesperson Mohammad Ali Faruqi:
"We have forwarded a five-point charter to the Commission, including taking all necessary preparations for free and fair elections and taking action against those who boycott the elections or engage in inconsistent activities."
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad):
"The party called for the abolition of the 1% support requirement for independent candidates."
Samyabadi Dal Secretary General Dilip Barua:
"We have called on the commission to take meaningful steps to ensure that the upcoming elections are participatory, free, and fair and that the people can exercise their right to vote."
Jatiya Party (Manju) Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam:
"We asked the commission what kinds of actions they have taken against violations of election rules and regulations in previous elections under its watch."
Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh Secretary General Mahi B Chowdhury:
"So far, there have been no incidents to prevent us from participating in the election. But we want the election environment to improve further. We want to see the Commission play a role in this regard."
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolan Member Secretary Maj (retd) Md Hanif:
"I urged the commission to deploy the army to provide security to party members, voters, and polling agents from the announcement of the election schedule to one week after the election."
