EC plans phased local polls from October

The Election Commission (EC) plans to begin local government elections in phases from October, with the schedule for the first phase likely to be announced in July or August, Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters, Anwarul said areas that have remained without elected representatives for a long time or where the legal tenure of local government bodies has expired will be given priority in the first phase of polling.

He said the Commission may hold Upazila Parishad and Union Parishad elections simultaneously in suitable areas, depending on the local law-and-order situation.

However, he ruled out introducing postal ballots for overseas voters in the upcoming local government elections, saying the system would not be implemented at this stage.

On electoral reforms, Anwarul said the EC has yet to decide whether to introduce a minimum educational qualification for candidates. 

The Commission will first examine relevant court rulings as well as the election laws and practices of neighbouring countries before taking a decision.

He said any amendments to election laws would not delay the polls, adding that the elections could be conducted under the existing legal framework if necessary.

The election commissioner also said the EC has almost completed its review of the election code of conduct and will soon send the proposed amendments to the Law Ministry for vetting and approval.