Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad has said the Elections Commission is planning to introduce an online system for submission of nomination papers so that any attempt at obstruction can be prevented. He remarked, “We had provided an opportunity to submit nominations at several locations, to prevent any obstruction.” However, online system would make the process smoother.” He also warned that no attempt of stuffing of ballot boxes will be tolerated and police will not be afraid to use bullets to prevent such attempts CEC was talking to journalists on the premises of the National Economic Council (NEC) in the capital after holding a meeting with law-enforcers on certain aspects of the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections, scheduled for March 22.
Ahmad stated that the Commission is not under any pressure with regard to holding of elections. He said, “In earlier elections, there were a couple of isolated incidents of ballot box stuffing. These are undertaken by miscreants in exchange for cash; they do not have any political affiliations. Our police will prevent them till their last bullet.” “We don’t need to give directives to police to use their arms. Once the police is given arms, they are aware of the
action to be taken, when necessary,” he added.
Replying to allegations of obstruction in submitting nomination papers, Rakibuddin said, “We cannot act on a wholesale allegation. It has to be specific, mentioning the time, place and person. The Commission will look into the matter if there is any basis for the allegations and act as per law.”
On allegations of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that EC is under the pressure from the government and enjoys its goodwill, he said, “It’s good that BNP feels we have goodwill. Let everyone know that we have goodwill. I don’t see any pressure. No one from the government has phoned me in this regard.”
The EC boss also urged all political parties, candidates and their supporters to follow the electoral code of conduct and create a peaceful environment, so that voters can cast their votes peacefully. “We hope none will create a chaotic environment during the election. We have directed law-enforcers to act impartially as per the law. We will provide full cooperation to them,” he added. He also urged the media to follow rules while covering elections, and assured that journalists would not face any trouble. During the meeting, the Commission decided to deploy 17 law-enforcers at general polling centres and 19 at centres considered sensitive. Police and members of Ansar and VDP will maintain law and order inside the polling centres and ensure security of election officers.