Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has directed the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat to expedite the finalization of the electoral code of conduct and election rules as the commission steps up preparations for the upcoming local government elections.
The directive was issued during preparations for the next phase of local government polls, with the commission aiming to complete the necessary legal framework before announcing the election schedule.
Speaking at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Tuesday, an election commissioner confirmed the instruction to the media.
"The CEC has directed the Secretariat to finalize the existing rules and regulations as soon as possible," the commissioner said.
According to EC officials, the electoral code of conduct and election rules must be completed before the commission can announce the election schedule. The documents form the legal basis for conducting the polls and regulating campaign activities.
Under the Election Commission's roadmap, the finalization of the rules is expected by August 15.
Earlier, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said it would be appropriate to begin the local government election cycle with union parishad or municipality elections in October.
He noted that the election schedule would need to be announced at least 45 days before polling day, making the completion of the legal framework an immediate priority.
"If the elections are to be held in October, the schedule must be announced at least 45 days in advance. So, the rules and code of conduct have to be finalised first," Masud said.
EC officials said the code of conduct will set out the rules governing election campaigns, candidates and other stakeholders, while the election rules will outline procedures related to nominations, polling, vote counting and the declaration of results.
The commission has yet to announce a timetable for the local government elections. However, officials said completing the rules and regulations on schedule would pave the way for announcing the election schedule in line with the EC's roadmap.
The upcoming local government elections will be the first major electoral exercise undertaken by the reconstituted Election Commission after completing the required legal and administrative preparations.
