The CEC’s Stance on Compelling Political Participation
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal made a significant statement yesterday, emphasizing that it is impossible to force any political party to participate in the upcoming national election. During discussions with various political parties at the Election Commission office in the capital, Awal reiterated that no party would be coerced into joining the polls. He firmly stated, “We will not force any party to join the polls … Nobody will take part in the election just because we are urging them.”
Awal clarified that the Election Commission’s primary objective is to ensure a free and fair general election. As part of this effort, the EC has been engaging in dialogues with a diverse range of stakeholders to gather recommendations on the best practices for conducting the upcoming polls. Despite the EC’s continuous appeals to all political parties to participate in the next general elections, some parties have chosen to abstain from these discussions.
Political Parties’ Responses to the EC’s Initiatives
One such party that refrained from participating in the talks with the EC is the Bangladesh Kalyan Party, a member of the BNP-led 20-party alliance. Additionally, the BNP has indicated that it will not engage in the ongoing dialogues with the Election Commission. Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP chairperson’s press wing, expressed the party’s disinterest in collaborating with the EC.
Furthermore, Awal highlighted the EC’s commitment to holding an inclusive election based on constitutional principles and existing regulations. He emphasized the importance of political parties coming together to address issues like electoral violence, the misuse of resources, and voter intimidation. Awal urged all parties to engage in interparty dialogues to reach a consensus on these critical matters.
CEC Acknowledges Mistake, Blames Media
In a surprising turn of events, Chief Election Commissioner Awal issued an apology for a controversial statement he made during discussions with the Nationalist Democratic Movement. He expressed regret for his remarks and attributed them to a misinterpreted attempt at humor. Awal criticized the media for distorting his comments and damaging his reputation, calling into question the level of transparency in the media’s coverage of electoral processes.
As the EC navigates the complexities of ensuring a democratic electoral process, political parties continue to put forth their suggestions for the upcoming general election. Each party has proposed unique solutions, ranging from the use of traditional ballot papers to deploying army personnel before the polls.
In conclusion, the Chief Election Commissioner’s stance on compelling political participation underscores the delicate balance between upholding democratic values and respecting the autonomy of political parties. As the nation prepares for the next national election, the collaboration between the Election Commission and political stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s electoral landscape.