Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday assured that the upcoming local government elections will be free, fair and credible and held to at least the same standard as the national election.
“Only those eligible under the law will be allowed to contest the elections. There will be no illegal directives from the Election Commission to the police during the elections. I can guarantee that,†he said.
The CEC made the remarks while talking to reporters after a discussion on “Training to Enhance Police Skills and Capacity for Performing Election Duties Professionally†at Rajarbagh in the capital.
Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission has no lack of commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible local government election.
“We conducted the national election as beautifully as possible. We want to hold the local government election to at least the same standard,†he said, adding that the Election Commission will hold the local government elections very soon, with police capability playing a crucial role in ensuring security during the polls.
The CEC said he had requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrange training as soon as possible for police personnel who will be assigned election duties.
“The IGP started the training programme within about two weeks. Today was the inaugural ceremony,†he said.
Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission has sought police assistance to ensure a credible and acceptable election, while the police have also pledged to work toward holding a good and credible election.
He said around Tk 22 crore will be required for the police training programme, which will have to be financed from their regular training fund.
The CEC said training programmes for Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar personnel will also begin gradually. “We hope that together we will be able to present the nation with a beautiful local government election,†he said.
He said the Election Commission has been able to restore much of the public confidence that had been lost in the commission. “Government agencies, the Election Commission and our administration have proved that they can deliver,†he said.
Nasir Uddin also said public confidence in the civil service, police and other law enforcement agencies has improved significantly.
Asked whether police will be able to ensure a smooth election amid the current law-and-order situation, he said the situation is not new.
Asked about plans to reduce violence during the local government elections, the CEC said the time has not yet come to disclose a concrete plan. “That will be done in due time,†he said, adding that the commission will introduce measures, including CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras.
“We will conduct digital monitoring, online monitoring and real-time monitoring of the ground situation during the election so that we can intervene immediately. We are working on that. The cell is working,†he said.
Asked when the election schedule will be announced, Nasir Uddin said it will be announced soon.
On whether candidates from the Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, will face restrictions in the local government elections where party symbols will not be used, he said eligibility will be determined strictly according to law.