Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Jabed Ali on Tuesday warned that legal action would be taken if anyone tries to interfere in the upazila polls unwarrantedly, whoever they might be.
“Our main aim is to hold a fair and peaceful election. We want to ensure such atmosphere so that voters can exercise their franchise without any hassle after knowing a candidate’s present and past,” he said.
The Election Commissioner was addressing a views-exchange meeting at the conference room of Chittagong Divisional Commissioner in the city.
His comments came after Returning Officer of the upcoming upazila polls and additional deputy commissioner Sanaul Haque said they have been facing problems to run the electoral activities for the unwarranted interference of the MPs.
Pointing at the attending media people, Jabed Ali said, “The media is one of our associates. We would put our efforts to take immediate steps if the media cooperates with us by giving proper information.”
He also directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure security of and proper working environment for the media people during the polls.
Seeking EC directive to stop the interference of the local MPs, the RO also opined that such situation has been occurring as people do not know properly about related laws.
In reply, Jabed Ali said action would be taken as per the code of conduct.
Turning to the national election, he said, “I could not exactly say when the next polls will be held. But it is supposed to be held after five years as per the constitution.”
The Election Commissioner also said a panel will be formed to recruit election officers to bring transparency.
Source: UNBConnect
