Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has said it is possible to defeat vote rigging if candidates and polling agents play their roles properly.
"We are working sincerely. We listen to the media. If polling agents perform their role correctly, vote rigging can be defeated,” he said while addressing a workshop at Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday.
He assured everyone of taking the necessary steps in consultation with the stakeholders ahead of the 12th general election.
Former election commissioner Md Shah Nawaz said: "In a polarized political landscape, the Election Commission cannot do anything to ensure the participation of all parties in the election, but it is essential for everyone to collaborate in creating a fair election environment.
"Parties are registered to participate in elections. If a party does not participate for some reason, there is nothing [for the commission] to do. But the commission will assure everyone, including voters, that a fair voting environment will be ensured. I hope the current commission will conduct a good election."
Kabita Khanam, another former election commissioner, said: "There are concerns about participation in the current political situation. It is not the commission’s responsibility to ensure all parties' participation in the upcoming election; that is up to the political parties."
"Candidates must provide polling agents at all centres. If they do not do so, they can not be held accountable. They can not just complain that their agents were removed from polling booths, they must provide valid evidence. The candidate has a responsibility. The Election Commission should also ensure a fair voting environment," she added.
The 12th national election will be held in January.
In the second phase of a series of workshops ahead of the election, the commission met with former colleagues and experts on Wednesday.
Earlier, in September, another round of workshops was held.
