The Election Commission will amend the election codes for political parties and candidates just before announcing the schedules for the next general election.
The commission deferred carrying out amendments to the parliamentary election codes 2008 before finalizing the polls-time government system.
After reformation of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the EC will take initiative to change the parliamentary polls codes in line with the reformed RPO and the format of election-time government.
“We will amend the codes just before announcing the schedules for election. We won’t need much time to reform the rules as we have absolute authority to amend those,” Election Commissioner Md Shah Nawaz told reporters at his office on Sunday.
Earlier, in July, the EC took an initiative to reform the polls codes considering that the next general election will be held under the political government, but retreated in the wake of widespread criticism from various quarters.
According to Article 123 of the Constitution, the 10th parliamentary elections are supposed to be held between October 26 next and January 24, 2014.
About granting fresh registration to political parties, Commissioner Shah Nawaz said a process is underway in this respect.
As many as 43 new political parties applied for registration after the EC issued public notice in October last year seeking fresh applications.
The Election Commission initially selected nine political parties including controversial BNF for considering their registration.
About elections to bifurcated Dhaka City Corporations, Election Commissioner Shah Nawaz said they asked the Local Government Ministry to correct demarcations of ward nos. 55, 56 and 57 of Dhaka South City Corporation, but the ministry is yet to give a reply to the Commission.
Source: UNBConnect
