Election Commissioner Md Alamgir on Sunday said that the recently held Gazipur City Corporation elections have enhanced the image of everyone involved, and the conduct of rival candidates was commendable.
"Voters exercised their rights fairly, and everyone fulfilled their responsibilities admirably. The police administration and the presiding officers at the polling stations carried out their duties in accordance with the law," he stated during a press briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon area.
He added: "Not only in the case of Gazipur, but we have always emphasized that elections should be fair and well-managed. Our role is to provide equal opportunities to all political parties participating in the election and ensure a level playing field for everyone."
While some have attributed the fairness of the Gazipur City polls to the US visa policy rather than the EC's capability or the government's intentions, the EC responded: "We have not yet conducted any research on the impact of the visa policy. You mentioned that it was published in the newspapers on the polling day, but voting had already commenced by then. So, how could it have influenced the election?"
He further said: "Since taking charge, we have not held any discussions with the government. We have not received any instructions or guidance from them. As an independent organization, we are operating in accordance with the constitution and the law."
When asked about the possibility of fair elections under a party government, he refrained from making political statements and stated: "Regardless of the circumstances, it is our duty to conduct elections fairly and in accordance with the law."
