The Election Commission (EC) has reiterated that it is working independently and without any pressure to ensure a free, fair and credible referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election scheduled for February 12.
Terms journos ‘eyes of the election’
Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the EC is fully discharging its constitutional responsibilities and taking all necessary measures to ensure a credible election.
He made the remarks on Monday while responding to journalists' questions at his office in the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Replying to a question on whether the government or political parties were exerting any pressure or showing non-cooperation, Masud said, "We have not faced any pressure. There is no pressure from any side. We are independently taking all necessary steps to properly carry out the constitutional duties entrusted to us."
He added that the Election Commission has commended all political parties and believes they are extending full cooperation. "With this cooperation, we firmly believe it will be possible to hold a good election," he said.
Addressing voters, the commissioner urged them to come to polling centres without fear and cast their votes for candidates of their choice. "Voting is your civic duty. The law and order situation is good," he said.
Masud noted that the election schedule was announced about one and a half months ago, and no major untoward incident has come to the commission's notice during this period.
He expressed hope that, in the changed environment, voters would turn up at polling centres to exercise their franchise.
On declining voter interest, he said rebuilding public confidence in elections would take time, but with collective cooperation it is possible to assure people that they can vote freely and without obstruction.
Responding to a question on loan defaulters, Masud said measures have been taken to directly declare the candidacy of loan defaulters invalid. However, guarantors are considered eligible under existing laws.
