The Election Commission (EC), under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, has embarked on preparations for the nation’s 13th parliamentary election, setting the wheels in motion for what it promises to be a festival time in the country's democratic journey.
In a decisive move, the EC has instructed its officials to initiate the procurement process for critical election materials.
Plans are also underway to fast-track the door-to-door data collection drive, starting in January instead of March, to ensure an updated and robust electoral roll.
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These resolutions emerged from an impromptu meeting of the commission, presided over by the CEC on Thursday.
The session delved into key issues, including voter list updates, constituency delimitation and the procurement of election essentials.
Streamlined Procurement Timeline
With swift execution, the EC feels that its secretariat could secure all necessary materials within six to seven months.
Officials emphasised the need for meticulous planning to adhere to the timeline.
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The meeting detailed the inventory required for the election, which includes transparent ballot boxes, indelible ink pens, official and marking seals, stamp pads, chargers, and other essentials.
A review of the existing stocks against projected requirements underscored the urgency of the procurement process.
Indelible ink, a crucial component, must be imported and typically requires up to 70 days for delivery. But the EC noted that some contractors have expedited the process in the past, raising hopes for an efficient turnaround.
Aligning with Election Timeline
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently suggested that the 13th general election could be held in late 2025 or early 2026.
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Responding to this, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin instructed EC officials to align preparations with this projected timeline.
"We will be fully prepared to hold the election as per the timeframe suggested by the Honourable Chief Adviser," the CEC affirmed, exuding confidence in the EC’s ability to meet the challenge.
Accelerating Voter List Updates
The EC is also poised to expedite the annual update of the voter list.
Traditionally, a draft list is published on January 2, inviting public feedback. Any complaints are resolved before the final list is released on March 2.
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The proposed early start to the data collection campaign reflects the EC's commitment to ensuring an accurate and inclusive voter list.
Thursday’s meeting was attended by four election commissioners and senior EC officials, who pledged their collective efforts to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming national elections.