Bangladesh
Election Commission There is no scope for rescheduling election: EC Secretary
Dhaka, Dec 1: Election Commission (EC) Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam said that the time for submitting nomination papers for the 12th National Assembly election has ended at 4 pm on Thursday (November 30). So there is no chance of rescheduling.
When journalists asked him wheater it is going to be another parliamentary election without BNP, he said, "You understand it."
The EC Secretary said these things at a press conference organized at the media center of the Election Commission building in Agargaon on Thursday. Addressing the journalists, Md. Jahangir Alam said that you already know that the deadline for filing nomination papers has ended at 4 pm on Thursday. Therefore, the Election Commission of Bangladesh thinks that there is no opportunity to extend the schedule of the 12th National Parliament election.
He said the candidates have submitted nomination papers to the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer. On Friday (December 1), we will be able to give the details of how many candidates are participating in which seats.
The spokesperson of the EC said that the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs had a meeting regarding the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct. Especially the IGP informed the overall issue. He said that the law and order situation is under control. The Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration has ascertained whether the Commission has any instructions or not. Next time will take action accordingly.
He said that our election inquiry committee has summoned some candidates as they have violated the code of conduct at some places. Besides, the Executive Magistrates are also working through the Returning Officer. They continued their activities. Several parties have not yet submitted their nomination papers. Time is already up. In response to the question whether there is any chance for those parties, the EC secretary said that the deadline has passed. There is no further extension of time.
The Election Commission (EC) announced the schedule for the 12th National Assembly elections on November 15, 52 days before the polls. According to the schedule, the voting will be held on January 7. Besides, the last date for submission of nomination papers was November 30. Selection of nomination papers from 1 to 4 December. Last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17. Allotment of symbols on 18th December. In that case, 14 days are given for submission of nomination papers and 19 days for campaigning. Campaigning should end 48 hours before polling. That is, candidates can campaign from December 18 to January 5.
