Chief Election Commi-ssioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Tuesday, "Election Commission (EC) is not responsible to bring political parties into polls. Our responsibility is to hold free, fair, neutral and participatory elections."
Speaking at a press conference at Agargaon Election Commission Secretariat he said, "We do not care about who participates in the election from which party. At the same time we are not responsible to bring any political party to the election. Our concern is to ensure level playing field in the election for everyone."
"On an average 4 candidates are contesting in each Upazila Election seats, which indicates competitiveness of elections," said the CEC.
While asking about the participation of relatives of Member of Parliaments in the elections he said, "We have given notice to all the Member of Parliament (MP) to stay away from elections. Many MPs have already left their constituencies. But who are still in their areas have confirmed to us that they will not influence the election."
In the press conference he said in the first phase, Election Commission declared schedule of 152 upazilas, but polls will be held in 139 upazila parishads.
"Whereas, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of 5 upazilas were elected uncontested and elections in 8 upazilas were cancelled for several reasons," said the CEC. He wants everyones cooperation to make elections free and fair. He said that all preparations have been made for free and fair elections.
At the press conference EC Secretary Jahangir Alam and Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath were present.
