Equal opportunities for all will be ensured in the election even though it will be held under a party government, Election Commissioner Jabed Ali says as he urges all registered parties to take part in the ensuing polls.
He gave the assurance in response to main opposition BNP’s threat of a boycott saying a partisan government cannot prove a level playing field for all. It has also questioned the integrity of the Election Commission.
Ali said the commission will amend the electoral code of conduct to this end.
“It is the Election Commission’s duty to ensure that all parties get equal opportunities to conduct their election campaigns. People will vote whoever they like and the results will be a reflection of that.”
Ministers and MPs will contest in polls, since Parliament will be in effect, but they will be given the same opportunities as the other contenders, said the former army official.
“The EC’s work will be within the bounds of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Order, and electoral code of conduct. There will be no transgressions or deviations from the law.”
Like members of the government, he also provided examples of elections in foreign countries against the opposition’s fears.
“Different countries have elections under ‘interim government’. But elections are held with sitting governments in the UK and the country next to us.”
The Election Commissioner said returning officers will soon be provided with directions about measures to take for violation of electoral laws.
The election will be held between Oct 24 and Jan 24 and Parliament will remain but will not be in session.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government will remain in power during the election but she will not be making any major decisions.-bdnews24.com
