Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said that whether the Awami League can conduct elections will depend on judicial processes as well as political wisdom and consensus.
He added that such decisions would become clear once the election schedule is announced.
The election commissioner made these remarks during an exchange of views with journalists after a meeting on the voter list update process for 2025 and the 13th parliamentary elections, held at the Rangpur Regional Election Office on Sunday morning.
He said: “The overall political and judicial processes concerning the Awami League’s participation in elections will be addressed when the registered parties are included in the schedule. It is not appropriate to comment in advance as this requires judicial procedures and political consensus.”
Acknowledging concerns over past elections, Sanaullah said: “The credibility of institutions, including law enforcement, was questioned during previous elections. We now recognize the need to restore public trust, as fair and transparent elections depend on it.”
He added that the process of ensuring free and fair elections begins with updating the voter list and continues through to announcing results. The Election Commission (EC) is committed to conducting all election activities impartially and professionally.
Addressing allegations of partisan bias in appointing presiding and polling officers, the commissioner assured: “This time, we will ensure appointments are free from party affiliations. These roles will be assigned based on competence and neutrality.”
In response to a question about prioritizing local government elections, he clarified that the EC’s primary constitutional responsibility is to hold parliamentary elections.
He said: “If the government instructs us to conduct local government elections first, the EC will evaluate and make a decision accordingly.”
Sanaullah also said that there is no political government currently in power in the country and that the EC will maintain complete neutrality.
“The Election Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to treat everyone equally without any discrimination,” he said.
