The Election Commission has directed returning officers to take steps to uphold the commission’s neutrality and acceptance.
The steps include protection of impartiality in the election from any quarter’s influence and interference as well as motivating voters to exercise their franchise.
The directive was made in notification No 9 issued on Sunday for the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7.
“In line with the laws, rules and code of conduct, it has to be ensured that any sort of influence or inference of any vested quarter cannot damage the neutrality of the election,” said the notification.
The commission also urged steps so that the election officers concerned with a sensitive and important function like elections shall not commit any act that humiliates them before the relevant authority or the people, and they should follow and apply the laws and rules properly to prevent the creation of a perception that they are partial.
The Election Commission said district and upazila administrations should encourage everyone to vote by arranging joint meetings with locals in their respective areas. In this regard, the field administration was asked to maintain contact with local political leaders.
The commission asked for intensive patrols by mobile teams of law enforcement agencies to create a congenial atmosphere for voters to come to polling stations smoothly and comfortably to cast their votes.
It also asked returning officers to beef up security in vulnerable areas and important polling stations and make strict orders for law enforcement to stay vigilant to prevent any kind of evil activities.
The commission asked for a massive campaign to inform the people about the locations of polling stations.
Besides, returning officers were asked to form a vigilance and observation team composed of local officials of various departments in their respective districts and metropolitan areas so that the election is held in a free, fair and neutral manner, and this neutrality will be visible to the people.
