CEC Habibul Awal assures of level playing field in elections

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Tuesday assured of ensuring a level playing field in elections.

"Ensuring a level playing field in elections is a hard task. Despite that, we have to try. I want to assure you that we will try our best," he said.

The CEC made the remarks while exchanging views with eminent citizens ahead of the general elections at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area.

About the safety and security of voters in elections, he said it must be considered whether the voters are safe after casting their votes.

Awal said the EC has enough rules and regulations but there is a lack of enforcement. "Enforcement capacity needs to be further enhanced," he added.

Noting that the evolution of the country's elections is not positive, he said violence gets rampant in polls.

"If this continues to happen, the voters will lose interest (to cast their votes)...violence must be stopped," he said.

Claiming that the election commissioners have courage enough to speak the truth, the CEC said they have nothing to lose or get.

It would be a success if a free, fair and participatory general poll could be held as per the suggestions of the country's eminent citizens, he said.

Mentioning that 100 percent success may not be possible, Awal said many have stated that if the elections become 50 percent to 60 percent acceptable, it would be a great achievement.