Election Commissioner Rashida Sultana has said it is the commission’s duty to ensure that people can freely cast their votes, while it is up to the candidates to bring voters to the polling centres on election day.
Everyone involved, including law enforcement and local administrations, has assured the commission that the conditions are conducive for people to exercise their franchise freely, Rashida told reporters at the Pabna deputy commissioner’s office on Friday.
“They have promised that the conditions will only improve. We have put our faith and confidence in them. We think voting will be pleasant and fair,” the election commissioner added.
In response to a question about people’s indifference to voting, she urged all citizens to come to polling centres on January 7 to cast their votes as it is their civil right.
Replying to another query about whether the election would become questionable if voters do not show up, she said there is no chance of that happening as the commission believes people will cast their votes.
Talking about the safety of journalists, Rashida said the law has been changed to ensure that. “If any of you face intimidation, threats, or if your equipment is snatched, it will be a crime and the perpetrators will be punished,” she added.
