No foreign pressure on EC in next election: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said there is no pressure from the international community or foreign diplomats on the Election Commission (EC) regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“Comments of international community members or foreign ambassadors didn’t create any pressure on the EC regarding the next parliamentary elections. It’s (remarks of foreign diplomats) a matter of the government, they will discuss it through bilateral talks,” he said.

The CEC made the remarks while inaugurating the distribution of Smart National Identity Cards at Mirzaganj Upazila Parishad Auditorium here in the afternoon.

The EC will hold a participatory election on time, in line with the constitutional process, Awal said, adding that no political party is being forced for taking part in the polls rather they have been requested .

“We want to hold a fair election with the participation of all political parties. If the opposition party (BNP) takes part in the next parliamentary elections, it will make the election more participatory,” he said.

Noting that process is underway for holding the elections using electronic voting machines (EVMs), the CEC said the polls will be held using ballots if finally it is not possible through EVMs.