Election Commissioner Md Alamgir on Wednesday said any political party has the right to ask the voters to refrain from going to the polling stations, but it would have to be done peacefully without creating any provocation and anarchy.

“If any political party doesn’t want to participate in the election, it is their wish. They may not join as part of their political strategy. They can ask voters not to go to polling stations. There is no problem here. But it will have to be told peacefully,” he said.

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The commissioner made this remark while replying to a question from reporters at his office in the city’s Agargaon area.

Alamgir, however, said any type of provocation, sabotage and anarchy can’t be carried out while going to ask the voters not to go to the polling stations.

He said it is a democratic country where anyone has the right not to participate in the polls as the person has the right to join the election.

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Out of 44 registered political parties, 27 parties are running in the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 next, while BNP and some other parties are boycotting the polls.

About his recent visit to 14 districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions, the election commissioner said the electoral atmosphere is good every place and there is no problem anywhere.  

“Peace and order prevail everywhere. Public life is very normal there. There is no problem with law and order. I’ve witnessed festivity among the voters,” he said.

He said the administration, intelligence and police informed them that there is no threat which can hamper the election anywhere.

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In reply to another question over violence including attack on trains, Alamgir said creating anarchy is a crime as per the Representation of People Order (RPO) and the election code of conduct. So, the EC sent a letter to the Home Ministry asking to take action if anyone is engaged in the crimes.

The commissioner said the festivity already was created among the people in the 300 constituencies without one or two stray incidents.