POLL SYMBOLS FOR WOMEN

EC admits mistake

After much criticism over the symbols for women councillors in the municipality polls, Election Commission (EC) yesterday admitted its mistake and said it would select symbols that would please the women aspirants from next year.
“This matter was brought to our attention earlier too. Though we were aware of it, but this time the election law has been changed due to partisan polls. We had little time. So, the symbols for women have not been selected carefully. But in future, we will address the issue,” EC Secretary Md Sirajul Islam said while talking to journalists at the EC secretariat in the capital.
In the upcoming municipality polls, there are symbols for women councillors like children’s clothing, vanity bags, bangles, which attracted a huge criticism from women leaders as they consider such symbols humiliating because they said that women are not confined at home now rather they are involved in many activities outside their homes. The EC secretary further said that the CEC directed him in writing to address the matter polls symbols for women  before the next election.
“The women are our mothers and sisters. We did not distribute the symbols for women to insult them. It has been done uncaringly. We will remain alert in future. We will find out symbols that would please the women. We admit the mistake,” he added.
Replying to a query, he said, “There is no scope to bring any amendment to symbols for women aspirants this time as the rules cannot be changed now. It’s difficult now. The ballots have already been printed. If the commission brings any changes, the ballots will also have to be cancelled.”
Asked whether the commission will discuss with political parties and members of civil society or women leaders in this regard, the secretary said, “It will be seen later. But if we do it consciously, there will be no problem.”
About the security of women and voters from the minorities, he said, “We give directions to the law enforcers in each election to ensure security for them.”

POLL SYMBOLS FOR WOMEN

EC admits mistake

After much criticism over the symbols for women councillors in the municipality polls, Election Commission (EC) yesterday admitted its mistake and said it would select symbols that would please the women aspirants from next year. This matter was brought to our attention earlier too. Though we were aware of it, but this time the election law has been changed due to partisan polls. We had little time. So, the symbols for women have not been selected carefully. But in future, we will address the issue, EC Secretary Md Sirajul Islam said while talking to journalists at the EC secretariat in the capital. In the upcoming municipality polls, there are symbols for women councillors like childrens clothing, vanity bags, bangles, which attracted a huge criticism from women leaders as they consider such symbols humiliating because they said that women are not confined at home now rather they are involved in many activities outside their homes. The EC secretary further said that the CEC directed him in writing to address the matter polls symbols for women before the next election. The women are our mothers and sisters. We did not distribute the symbols for women to insult them. It has been done uncaringly. We will remain alert in future. We will find out symbols that would please the women. We admit the mistake, he added. Replying to a query, he said, There is no scope to bring any amendment to symbols for women aspirants this time as the rules cannot be changed now. Its difficult now. The ballots have already been printed. If the commission brings any changes, the ballots will also have to be cancelled. Asked whether the commission will discuss with political parties and members of civil society or women leaders in this regard, the secretary said, It will be seen later. But if we do it consciously, there will be no problem. About the security of women and voters from the minorities, he said, We give directions to the law enforcers in each election to ensure security for them.