Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said political parties, not law enforcement agencies, play the most significant role in ensuring a successful election.
“Political parties play a bigger role in voting than law enforcement. If the parties work sincerely, the Election Commission does not have to take extra pressure,” he said during a dialogue with political parties at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Wednesday.
The CEC stressed that strict adherence to the electoral code of conduct is essential for a fair and peaceful election.
“Establishing the rule of law is crucial, and its primary condition is following the code of conduct,” he said.
He urged political parties to cooperate in increasing voter turnout and to encourage their activists to motivate voters to come to polling stations.
Explaining the delay in initiating full-scale discussions, the CEC said the EC waited for the Electoral System Reforms Commission (ERSC) to complete its work.
“Discussions with political parties began after the oath-taking on November 24 last year, but many national leaders were occupied with ERSC-related matters. We did not want two simultaneous discussion processes,” he said.
He added that both the EC and political parties are committed to delivering a fair and acceptable election. “The code of conduct has been finalized after reviewing the recommendations of the Reforms Commission and written opinions from political parties and various organizations. Preparing the code is not the main challenge—following it is.”
The CEC said voter apathy has grown over the past decade and called on political leaders, especially those with grassroots connections, to help bring people back to the polling centres. “We hope voters will return in large numbers,” he said.
He concluded by calling for collective efforts to ensure a peaceful election. “Political parties, voters, the Election Commission and law enforcement must work together to deliver a good election for the nation.”
