Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said to the voters in the 12th National Assembly elections, we are concerned about some recent incidents of vandalism and violence. Still, I request you to overcome all worries, anxieties and discomforts and fearlessly come to the center and exercise your civil rights.
He made this call in his address to the nation on Saturday (January 6), the day before the election. Polling for the 12th National Assembly elections will be held continuously on Sunday (January 7) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
28 parties in the election, not uncontested:
The CEC said that only through the coordinated cooperation of all, the elections become fair, free, impartial and participatory. When political parties are inspired by the democratic spirit and contest elections effectively by fielding candidates, elections become more fair and meaningful.
But due to disagreements on the institutional procedure of the election, the desired political participation and competition is not happening in this election. Electoral universality has not been as expected. Still 28 parties are participating in the elections. A total of 1971 (1969) candidates are contesting in 299 seats. As a result the election cannot be termed as uncontested and non-participatory.
Strict action on irregularities, irresponsibility:
The Chief Election Commissioner said that the election campaign ended with enthusiasm and enthusiasm in a festive atmosphere. Now just waiting for the polling to start. All the officers engaged in electoral duties must also carry out the duties assigned to them in the overall affairs of conducting elections with honesty and devotion by properly understanding, upholding and applying the laws and regulations. Negligence, laxity, dishonesty and dereliction of duty will not be tolerated.
Fake votes, vote rigging, ballot rigging, money laundering and possible use of muscle power on behalf of a candidate or candidates will be strictly discouraged. The candidature will be canceled immediately if evidence is found. If necessary, the polling of centers or constituencies will be stopped altogether.
Urges political leadership to be sincere:
Kazi Habibul Awal said that conflicts and violence due to differences are not desirable. But it cannot be said that vandalism and violence are not happening at all. People are being injured and killed in addition to damage to national wealth. This situation needs a permanent solution and end. The political leadership should take serious initiative in this regard. Not today but for the future.
The boycotting parties have promised to refrain from violent means and call on the people to boycott the elections only through peaceful means. It instilled confidence in the public. Incidents of violence and vandalism are becoming visible amid the declared hartal blockade.
Call for Voting Rights:
The CEC also said, “We are concerned about some recent incidents of vandalism and violence.” Still, as part of the inviolable constitutional duty, I request the people to overcome all worries, anxieties and discomforts and fearlessly come to the polling station in a joyful atmosphere and freely exercise your precious right to vote and perform your valuable civic duty.
Cooperation of media and observers sought:
The former senior secretary of the government said that if the transparency of the election process can be demonstrated through visibility, it is helpful in creating public confidence in the purity and impartiality of the election. In this regard, the role of the media and election observers is crucial. Therefore, we sincerely request the cooperation of domestic and foreign media and observers.
About 23 thousand local and about 200 foreign observers will work to monitor the election. Sufficient number of local and foreign journalists will also be in the field to monitor the election and collect images and information.
