Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said that there is no foreign pressure on the Election Commission for the 12th parliamentary election.
He said this to reporters after inaugurating the national identity card distribution program at Patuakhali's Mirzaganj upazila parishad auditorium on Wednesday afternoon.
The CEC said: “The government will understand the comments made by the foreign ambassadors. This is their bilateral issue. I have no comment as the chief election commissioner.”
He said: “No party would be pressurised to participate in the election but we hope everyone, including BNP, participates.”
Regarding using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), CEC said: “With the capacity we have, voting in EVMs is possible in 50 to 60 seats. Efforts are being taken to increase its number.”
“If due to any reason preparation is not done with EVM then we have all preparations for voting through ballot paper. And the Smart National ID Card will serve as an important helper in this free and fair election,” he added.
