Voicing disappointment over the current volatile situation, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad on Thursday said a compromise is good for all right now as the responsibility of violence goes to all. “A compromise is good for all in the country’s prevailing situation,” he told reporters at his Election Commission Secretariat office. Mentioning that the commission always wants the election to be held with the participation of all, he said a compromise is a must for a participatory election. The CEC, however, said that there is no initiative in sight for reaching a political compromise. Kazi Rakibuddin said understanding is the language of democracy and problems will have to be solved through negotiations. “If any development comes through negotiations, we’ll accommodate the outcomes.” Replying to a query whether the responsibility for the ongoing widespread violence in the country goes to the EC, Rakibuddin said, “No, it’s the liability of all – the ruling party, opposition and all parties.” He said the political problems will have to be solved politically protecting people. “With whom will the political parties do politics, if the country and its people do not exist?” Asked whether the commission is worried about Jatiya Party chairman Ershad’s announcement of coming out from the electoral race, the EC boss said, “No, we aren’t… it’s a matter of the party.” Responding to a question who will actually be liable — the government or the EC — in case of a unilateral election, the CEC said, “The commission must follow the Constitution. There’s no alternative to election in the Constitution for democracy.” – UNB
