The process for local government polls needs to reformed, says Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukder.
His remark came on Monday (Mar 18) after polls closed to the phase-2 of the Upazila elections.
“For the sake of, meaningful election as well as smooth democracy the process of polling needs to be reformed. But it’s not the Commission’s job rather a political decision,” he said.
According to him, it’s the administration’s call how the elections to the local government bodies will be held.
“An all-inclusive election can be only possible by ensuring a level-playing field for all the aspirants and a free, fair, credible voting,” Commissioner Talukder told a media briefing.
Voting was held in 116 Upazilas amid low turnout in the second phase of the election on Monday.
The issue of low turnout can be addressed if the Election Commission has full authority over local government polls, according to Talukder. “It’s about time to mull it.”
He said the Upazila election lost its fervor as the opposition did not float candidates and the voters were not interested to exercise their franchises in a lopsided election.
“The people’s lack of interest in the election is a bad sign for democracy.”
On candidates being elected unopposed in the Upazila polls, he said they were “not elected rather selected”.