Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal on Thursday urged all the political parties to bring balance in the voting centres by taking part in the elections.
"We are repeatedly requesting all the political parties to take part in elections. If you have different opinions among yourselves, you should try to resolve those disputes. Because the Election Commission (EC) can't play a guardian-like role in this regard," he said.
The CEC said these while talking to journalists after attending a rally in front of the Nirbachon Bhaban in the city, marking National Voters' Day.
The rally was brought out from in front of the Nirbachon Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area and ended at the same venue after parading different streets.
Awal said political parties themselves have to bring balance to the polling stations by competing in the upcoming national elections.
"We will humbly request all the political parties, please participate in the elections at anyhow," he added.
Projecting the EC's endeavours to create a smooth environment for making the elections participatory, the CEC said though voter turnout was low in the elections held under the EC led by him, the overall situation was satisfactory.
He, however, hoped that the parliamentary elections will witness an "adequate" voter turnout through competitive elections.
Though it is said that voting becomes slow due to using electronic voting machines (EVMs), Awal said, there, where the EVMs were used, was a good turnout.
"Coming to the polling centre is the first responsibility of all voters. Political parties have also a responsibility in this regard. They should perform their duties," he said, adding that the EC will arrange the voting and create a favourable atmosphere for that.
Election Commissioners Brigadier General (Retd) Md Ahsan Habib Khan, Rashida Sultana and Md Alamgir, and EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam were present on the occasion, among others.
Later, the EC organized a discussion in the afternoon, marking National Voters' Day.
Photo: File photo of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal.
