Election Commissioner Zabed Ali yesterday said the Election Commission would take action if any municipal polls candidate complained that he or she had been pressured into withdrawing nomination.
But he did not clarify what type of action would be taken.
Zabed was addressing a press briefing at the commission office at 5pm, which was the deadline for withdrawing nominations. There was a crowd of rebel candidates at the office who went to withdraw their candidacies.
Both the Awami League and the BNP earlier asked rebel candidates to withdraw their nominations. Zabed said the commission treats all candidates equally, and will take action if any candidate lodges complaint.
“It is important that candidates lodge written complaints if they want the commission to take action. They will be given all necessary support as per the rules.
“We have not yet received any complaint from any candidate,” he said.
The commissioner said the commission would work for all parties. “Each candidate, irrespective of his or her party, will get the same preference.”
Zabed said the commission would seriously look into any complaint of violation of law or electoral code of conduct.
“Violators, whoever they are, will face legal action. Everyone should be mindful of whether or not he can join campaigns.
“Executive magistrates and judicial magistrates will discharge their duties from tomorrow. Executive magistrates will slap violators with jail sentence and fine on the spot.
“But we do hope that no candidate will violate the rules. Then it will be helpful for us all,” added Zabed.