Polls Are Not Always Peaceful: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said that polls are not always peaceful. Candidates' supporters can sometimes get in the way of a peaceful vote due to emotions. Ballot papers will go to most centers on polling day morning. We call on all the candidates to assist polling officials.

CEC Kazi Habibul Awal said these things in a briefing at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Saturday (January 6).

Kazi Habibul Awal said that we believe in free, fair and impartial elections. Our elections will be observed by domestic and foreign observers. I hope you all go to different polling stations and observe. The people of Bangladesh want voters to vote peacefully.

CEC said, those who are saying this election selection they are saying from their own feelings. It will be in the political sphere. There is no prior acceptance criteria. The EC is trying to make the election as acceptable as possible. This election will be credible at home and abroad.

Pointing out that one of the parties is trying to prevent the election, the CEC said it could lead to a crisis. However, the commission is trying to conduct fair and peaceful elections.

CEC said, not only domestically but also internationally we want to make the 12th National Parliament Elections acceptable. For this reason, we have allowed not only domestic but also foreign observers to observe. An environment has been created so that voters can exercise their right to vote unhindered. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to control the violence that often erupts when activists support the candidate.

Kazi Habibul Awal said that the candidates should ensure that their polling agents are present at the polling stations. Though polling is scheduled to end by 4 pm, polling will continue till 5-6 pm if voters are present. There is no clear cut criteria for selection acceptability, it is relative.

Regarding the fire incident in Benapole Express train, CEC said, "I don't know who set fire to the train yesterday, but it is painful." There may be an attempt to terrorize the people through fire. Arson is an unforgivable crime.

Pointing out that there was an attempt to set fire to the polling station, the CEC said that the political parties that boycotted the polls promised the nation not to resort to violence. This promise should be trusted. Will be prevented from going to the polls - it may not happen. Arson may be an attempt to terrorize the public, but it is a crime.

Kazi Habibul Awal said, if there is rigging and cheating during the polling, some of the responsibility will fall on us. However, everyone in charge, including the returning officer, should be careful.

The Chief Election Commissioner said, America wants to see free, fair and peaceful elections, we urge everyone to vote. Commission is not an obstacle in the way of election. The commission has called everyone to come to the polls. Who is blocking the strike, who has announced to resist the election - America is watching. So we are not bothering about the visa policy.