AL proposes to enact law in forming EC
17 January 2022, 09:03 pm | Updated: 27 November 2024, 04:29 pm
Bangladesh Awami League placed a host of proposals, including enactment of a law on the formation of the Election Commission, during a dialogue with President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Monday.
The ruling party’s10-member delegation at the talks was led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of the party.
Hours before the talks the Cabinet at its weekly meeting approved the draft of a law on the formation of Election Commission.
The party, in its proposals, also said that article 118 of the constitution empowers the president to appoint the chief election commissioner and other commissioners through a process he would deem appropriate.
One of the proposals said presiding and polling officials must be chosen only from among the officers and officials of the government instead from non-government organisations.
The delegation also proposed to increase the use of information technology to make every election free, transparent and fair.
The AL stressed that an independent and effective EC is a must for making the election free and fair. It must be ensured that law enforcement agencies and others responsible for conducting polls act in an impartial manner.
The party proposed making the voters’ list accurate and authentic by photograph of each voter along the name, ensuring security at polling stations and greater use of EVMs in the polling.
The party also called for an end to the use of muscle power in elections and ensuring that voters at all levels, including religious minorities, can exercise their rights properly.
The delegation highlighted the need to ensure the safety of voters before and after the elections and placement of the administration and law enforcement agencies under the supervision of the Election Commission during elections and limit the activities of government during elections to routine responsibilities.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked the President for taking the initiative to hold talks with the political parties on the formation of the Election Commission.
