Newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Monday voiced for consensus among all political parties for ensuring the next parliamentary election free, fair and credible.
“A level playing field cannot be achieved by the election commission alone,” he said.
“We will be responsible for carrying out the election with honesty and integrity. You will be able to evaluate us later. We hope all the parties will take part in the elections and consolidate democracy,” he added.
The CEC said, “Political parties should participate in election and play their role properly. They cannot just leave the field.”
He made this remarks while addressing his maiden press conference at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital Dhaka on Monday.
Political leadership was created by Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jatiya Party together, he said. He urged the parties to take part in discussions keeping aside their pride.
Four election commissioners Md Alamgir, Rashida Sultana, Brig Gen (Rtd) Ahsan Habib Khan, and Anisur Rahman were present at the press conference.
CEC Awal said there must be efforts to ease the gap between the political leadership.
“If we turn our faces away from others then the distance will be increased,” he added.
The CEC also said, “We would extend our support to political leadership. If the political leaders do not support each other or if there is no minimum scope of consensus among the politicians, then I cannot be their guardian. They are much more learned and experienced than us.”
We will urge the political parties to make consensus. Make an agreement so that elections would be held in a fair way. There would not be any violence and obstructions centering the elections, he said.
“The CEC also confirmed the media that the EC will perform their duties with sincerity, devotion and honesty.
“Party polling agents have an important role during the elections. If polling agents are removed from polling centres, the EC has to be informed,” he added.
“Voting will take place according to the rules. We are not preventing you from observing us,” said the CEC.
The CEC and four election commissioners took oath of office on Sunday and joined the office on Monday.
