Desk report: The main goal of the Election Commission (EC) is not only to organize a free, fair and acceptable election, but also to build a sustainable culture of organizing all future elections with the same standards, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. He said, "In addition to maintaining the minimum standards of free, fair and acceptable elections established in the 13th National Parliament elections, efforts will be made to ensure better standards in future elections. The commission is determined to maintain the same standards in the upcoming local government elections as well." In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the CEC said, "Our goal is not just to hold a good election. We will strive to ensure that all elections in the future meet the same standards." He said, "The electoral system is not just a one-time event. The responsibility does not end with a good election. Rather, we need to develop a culture of good elections in the country so that all elections in the future are of that quality. We need to make that system."

Regarding the upcoming Union Parishad (UP) elections, the CEC said that efforts will be made to organize the local government elections on the same standards by utilizing the experience gained in the national elections. If possible, there is hope to deliver better elections. In this regard, he stressed the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders.
EC is working in a stress-free environment
Highlighting the Commission's strong commitment to an acceptable and fair election process, the CEC said that this commitment has helped the Commission move forward by facing various challenges.
He said that along with the National Assembly elections, referendums have been organized, IT-based postal voting has been used to exercise the right to vote for officials and employees engaged in electoral duties abroad and within the country, and opportunities have been created for members of the law enforcement agencies and prisoners to vote. It is because of the Commission's strong commitment that these tasks have been completed. The CEC said that there is no gap in our commitment.

Regarding the upcoming UP elections, he said that he is optimistic about organizing the next elections like the last national elections. There is no pressure from any party on the commission. The concerned officials have been instructed to perform their duties with professionalism and impartiality and they are working accordingly. However, he mentioned that the cooperation of the candidates is also very important to make the elections fair.
Dialogue with political parties in November
The CEC said that there is a plan to hold discussions with political parties by November ahead of the local government elections.

He said that even though local government elections are not held on party symbols, candidates may have the support of political parties. Therefore, the cooperation of politicians is needed to conduct the elections smoothly.

The CEC said, "The cooperation of politicians is very important. That is why we have planned to sit with them. We will sit with them by this November."

He said, "It is not possible to establish a fair democracy without fair elections. There is no alternative to free and fair elections to make democracy sustainable and ensure a fully democratic environment. If there is fraud in elections, it cannot establish a true democracy."
CCTV cameras, strict code of conduct to be introduced in UP elections

The Election Commission is fully prepared for the upcoming Union Parishad elections, the CEC said. Polling stations, voter lists, election officials and necessary equipment are ready. The deadline for updating the voter list has been set until October 31.

He said that taking into account the Union Parishads that have expired legally and are under court orders, elections could be held in about 800 to 1,000 UPs in each phase.

Citing violence as one of the biggest challenges in the UP elections, the CEC said, "Past experience has shown that violence and loss of life are more common in Union Parishad elections. For this reason, the commission's power to implement the code of conduct has been increased and special surveillance will be strengthened at risky polling stations."

He said that measures are being taken to install CCTV cameras in every polling station. In addition, there will be cameras attached to the bodies of law enforcement officers. This will record any incidents of violence or irregularities during the election.

The CEC said, "We will try to strictly implement the code of conduct. No one will be given any exemption in this regard."

He also said that the commission's preparations are continuing to complete the elections within the scheduled time.

The CEC said that since we took office, restoring people's trust and credibility has been given special importance as the main challenge of the Election Commission.
He said, "A quick assessment after taking office in late November 2024 shows that people's trust in the Election Commission and the overall election system had significantly decreased. Especially in the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections, there were concerns among people about exercising their voting rights and going to the polling stations safely."

The CEC said that the commission is giving utmost importance to restoring the lost trust of the people, making the Election Commission an institution of trust, and re-establishing the credibility of the electoral system.

To achieve this goal, an initiative was taken to update the voter list. About 77,000 workers were recruited and trained to go door-to-door to collect information.

He said that through this program, about 1 million female voters have been included in the list and the names of more than 2.1 million deceased voters have been excluded.

The CEC said that ensuring the accuracy of the voter list and maintaining transparency in the electoral process are among the most important steps to restore people's trust.
Importance of transparency and stakeholder collaboration

The CEC emphasized the importance of maintaining people's trust, ensuring transparency in every activity, and continuing cooperation from all stakeholders to maintain continuity of good elections in the future.

He said that every step taken by the Election Commission must be such that people have a clear idea about the election process and there is no scope for any irregularities or secrecy.

Referring to the cooperation of political parties, voters, civil society and journalists in the national elections, he said, "Everyone's cooperation, despite adverse circumstances, has helped the commission fulfill its responsibilities. This cooperation must continue in future elections as well."

Regarding the opportunity for journalists to perform their electoral duties, the CEC said, "The doors of the commission are open to journalists. They can enter the polling station and perform their duties. However, since the number of journalists is large, identity cards will be issued following the policy for the sake of fair management."

National-level journalists will be issued identity cards by the commission. For local-level journalists, the concerned returning officer will arrange to issue cards in consultation with the press club.

He said the commission always wants to maintain transparency and expects journalists to play an effective and responsible role in election activities.
Special measures for speedy resolution of complaints

The CEC said that the grievance redressal system should be kept in place at the local level to ensure quick resolution of grievances and accountability in local government elections.

He said that efforts will be made to take prompt action on complaints through the executive magistrate, judicial magistrate and the election inquiry committee. The commission wants to ensure that remedies for election irregularities are found quickly at the local level.

Regarding the use of black money and vote buying, he said that if any information is received about these irregularities, action will be taken according to the provisions of the code of conduct.

The CEC said that responsible behavior from all parties is essential for a fair election. If all stakeholders follow the rules in the election field, it will be easier for the commission to prevent irregularities.
All local government elections to be held within 10 months to a year

Considering history and practical experience, it may take about 10 months to a year to complete the elections for all local government institutions in the country, the CEC said.

He said, "This process is being started with the Union Parishad elections. Most people in rural areas receive services from local government institutions. There is a risk that the service activities of these institutions will be disrupted due to the absence of elections."

In addition, the structure and activities of some local government institutions, including the Upazila Parishad, are related to the Union Parishad elections. The role of elected representatives of the Union Parishad is required in organizing elections for some institutions. For this reason, UP elections are being given priority.

The CEC said that there are plans to hold the municipal elections immediately after the union council elections. However, the election schedule will have to be determined taking into account various examinations, especially the SSC examination, and possible floods during the monsoon season.

He also said that there will be no party candidates in the local government elections.

The CEC cited increasing the number of female candidates in local government elections as a major social challenge.

He said, "Even if there are female voters, it is relatively difficult to ensure the participation of women as candidates. Discouragement from family and relatives, social barriers, and harassing campaigns on social media create obstacles for women to participate in elections."

He believes that a massive awareness campaign is needed to change this situation. In this case, the initiative of the Election Commission alone is not enough; various sectors of society, including political parties, must come forward.

The CEC said that the law has set a goal of ensuring one-third of women's representation in political parties by 2030 in national elections. However, in addition to enacting the law, cooperation from political parties is needed in its implementation.
Special opportunity for young voters

The CEC announced the expansion of voter registration opportunities to encourage young people to exercise their right to vote.

He said that those who will turn 18 by October 31 will have the opportunity to become voters. Earlier, age was calculated based on January 1 of the year, but this time, thanks to the new opportunity, more young people will be able to be included in the voter list.

He expressed hope that the participation of the younger generation will help make local government elections more participatory.
Hope for fair elections with the cooperation of all parties

The CEC sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to organize the upcoming local government elections in a free, fair and impartial manner.

He said, "Responsible behavior of all parties in the election is very important. The commission will make maximum efforts to prevent irregularities and violence. At the same time, the commission expects cooperation from political parties, candidates, journalists, observers and voters."

The CEC said that the commission is committed to maintaining transparency in the election process. One of the goals of the commission is to ensure that voters can go to the polling station without any hindrance and return home safely after casting their votes.

He expressed hope that through collective efforts and cooperation, it will be possible to deliver a beautiful, acceptable, and quality local government election.