The Election Commission (EC) is prioritizing preparations for the national elections, targeting December, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah on Tuesday (Feb 11).

He said: "Discussions were held on the timeline required for the elections. Conducting local and national elections simultaneously is impractical, as past experiences show that local elections alone can take up to a year, potentially delaying the national polls. However, if the government decides otherwise, the EC will comply with its directives."

Sanaullah was speaking to reporters after a meeting with 18 development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

When asked about an adviser’s previous remarks on holding local elections, Sanaullah said that the Chief Adviser had mentioned on December 16 that if minor reforms were required and a consensus was reached, elections could take place by the end of this year. 

However, if more extensive reforms were needed, the timeline could be extended to June 2026, the commissioner said, adding "We have maintained our stance—we are preparing with December in mind and have no alternative plans." 

Addressing another query, he reiterated that large-scale local elections, covering all five levels, would require approximately a year, making it difficult to set a definitive timeline. However, he expects the government to consider the time constraints when making decisions regarding the national elections.

Sanaullah also mentioned that the EC had invited the heads of missions from 18 development partner countries, along with the UNDP. 

During the meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner outlined the EC’s progress in election preparations, including voter list updates, and acknowledged the historical support of development partners. 

UNDP’s potential assistance in electoral development was also discussed, he added.

Regarding the election timeline, Sanaullah said that while the EC does not determine it, the process is already in motion. A National Consensus Commission will be formed to make decisions, which the government will then implement. 

"We do not foresee any major challenges that could disrupt the elections, though unforeseen issues may arise," he added.

BDST: 1449 HRS, FEB 11, 2025
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