DHAKA: Election Commissioner Brigadier General Jabed Ali (Retd) on Wednesday said the commission (EC) will extend its support to any candidate in the forthcoming municipal polls if anyone applies.
He was talking to journalists at his Election Commission office in the afternoon.
The commissioner further said that every candidate will be given equal importance. “It will not be considered what political party the candidate belongs to,” he added.
One of the contested parties allegedly considered the system of taking permission from the law enforcers for an indoor meeting as oppressive.
Responding to the allegation, Jabed Ali said that law will take its own course. “EC will provide level playing ground for all candidates,” he added.
He reiterated that every candidate, irrespective of political affiliations, is equal to them.
He also said the journalists will cover half of the polling centers. Besides, there will be neutral observers to observe the centers.
Seeking help from everyone in organizing an acceptable election, he hoped that the polls will be free and fair and peaceful.
Regarding the cooperation from the government he said that the Constitution guaranteed the assistance from everyone.
He hoped that everyone will cooperate in holding a peaceful and acceptable poll.
Jabed Ali also said that a lot of executive and judicial magistrates work in every election. Moreover, apart from the security agencies, there are local and international sources that update polls related news items. He emphasized about taking necessary measures.
In response to another question the commissioner said that as per electoral code important political figures, including the prime minister, cannot go for campaigning.
Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami he said, section 66 of the Constitution clearly specified on who is eligible for election and who is not.
Any individual, who does not fall under the above mentioned category, can be a candidate in the municipality polls.
Jabed Ali said that they have sent the code of conduct of candidates to the returning officers and law enforcement authorities. “No one is allowed to use mike except from 2:00pm to 8:00pm,” he added.
Hoping that the candidates will maintain their expenditure limit, he said candidates must submit their election expenditure within one month of the election.
BDST: 2150 HRS, DEC 02, 2015
AS/SR
