Bangladesh
CEC CEC calls for resistance if voting is obstructed
Dhaka, Nov 16: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has announced the election schedule amid the dissidence between the two major political parties regarding the upcoming 12th National Assembly elections. He also urged the voters to resist it individually or collectively if they face obstacles to vote.
The Chief Election Commissioner made this call while announcing the schedule in a speech given on Bangladesh Television on Wednesday, November 15 at 7 pm.
He said, "Law enforcement forces must ensure the overall security of the candidates, voters, election officials and the general public along with the surrounding order of the polling station. Fake votes, vote rigging, ballot rigging, money laundering and possible use of muscle power can influence elections. The people must unite and resist it collectively at any cost."
Calling on the voters, he said, "You will come to the polling station with enthusiasm, courage and confidence in a festive atmosphere, freely exercise your valuable right to vote and elect the candidate of your choice and fulfill your civic duty in forming the parliament and the government. . The vote is yours, do not be influenced by anyone's interference or inducement in voting. If you encounter any kind of interference or obstacle, resist it individually or collectively. If necessary inform the presiding officer of the center immediately. The presiding officer is legally responsible and bound to ensure the freedom of exercise of the voter's right to vote by resisting any malpractice at any cost."
Urging all political parties to take steps to avoid conflict and solve the problem, the CEC said, "There is a need for favorable political environment for free, fair, participatory and festive elections. But on the question of elections, especially on the question of the institutional system of elections, the overall political leadership of the country has been witnessing disagreement for a long time. In multi-party politics there can be ideological divisions. But if disagreements lead to conflict and violence, the resulting instability can have an adverse impact on the electoral process. Consensus and solutions are needed. I, on behalf of the Election Commission, humbly request all political parties to avoid conflict and violence and seek amicable solutions.”
