Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda has called for the law enforcers to take stringent measures in case of any violence and anarchy during the national polls.
If the polls are hampered due to carelessness from any law enforcing agency’s part, legal action will be taken against them, he said on Saturday (Dec 29) during a media briefing at the Election Commission’s media center.
“If any party tries to create anarchy at the polling stations, immediately bring it under control,” he said addressing the law enforcers.
The CEC has also urged the voters to cast their franchises for their chosen candidate without giving in to fear or influence of any kind. “Your vote is of great value.”
Saying that the commission was completely prepared for the polls scheduled at 8 am on Dec 30, Huda added that the polls materials have been delivered to the offices of the returning officers and they will reach the polling stations by Saturday night.
“Manpower and election materials have already reached the EVM exclusive constituencies.”
He added that armed forces, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police forces have already been deployed for the security of election officials and related personals.
“Executive magistrates, election probe committee and judicial magistrates are already at work at the election areas.”
Huda said that the whole country was in a festive mood given that the wide array of rallies, processions, leaflet distribution and many more programs that are an inherent part of the polls campaign.
Saying that the polls atmosphere was charged with competition due to the participation of all the political parties, Huda added, “A total of 1,861 candidates are participating in the elections. The whole country is in high spirits.”
The CEC highlighted on the importance of a polling centre’s location, saying that the election’s success largely depends on the success of the polling stations.
“The election officers employed at the centres perform specific duties. Maintaining a fair election environment is their goal. Moreover, the presiding officers will coordinate with the police and Ansar to protect the election materials.
Talking about the vote counting process, he said, “The votes will be counted once the voting is over. They will be counted inside the polling stations and not outside at any cost and all the agents will have to deliver the outcome.”
Citing an english daily’s article where it was reported that the polling agents were being harassed, he said that “It wasn’t acceptable under any circumstances.”
He added that the police will not arrest or harass any polling agent unless there is a specific case filed against them.
“They (polling agents) have to be given full security as they carry a huge responsibility during the elections. They represent and work for the candidates and if any polling agent is asked to leave the room illegally, then they should take the magistrate or law enforcers’ help.”
Talking about the vote counting process, he said, “The votes will be counted once the voting is over. They will be counted inside the polling stations and not outside at any cost and all the agents will have to deliver the outcome.”
Citing a english daily’s article where it was reported that the polling agents were being harassed, he said that “It wasn’t acceptable under any circumstances.”
He added that the police will not arrest or harass any polling agent unless there is a specific case filed against them.
“They (polling agents) have to be given full security as they carry a huge responsibility during the elections. They represent and work for the candidates and if any polling agent is asked to leave the room illegally, then they should take the magistrate or law enforcers’ help.”
Addressing the journalists, the CEC said, “The journalists play a big role in the elections. The nation gets a clear picture of the polls through them but they have to make sure that while collecting news and presenting it, they must not disrupt the polls officers’ duties in any way.”
He urged the election officials to remain above any party politics and carry out their responsibilities with utmost impartiality.
“Ensure that the polls are not questionable, no candidate is hampered and no one is deprived of their rights,” Huda said to the election officials.
He further called for political parties, candidates and their supporters to follow the electoral code of conduct to the book. “Respect each other so that the election competition does not turn into a violent affair.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I note that polls related violence has led to loss if life and the peaceful polls atmosphere has been disrupted. I request the authorities concerned to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice after impartial investigation,” he added.
He urged everyone to ensure that the participatory and competitive polls atmosphere prevails so that the parliamentary elections are successful.