The Election Commission has decided not to hold any dialogue with the political parties and civil society for amending the electoral code of conduct ahead of the next parliamentary elections as there is “not much time” for that.
EC officials Wednesday said a meeting of the commission had also planned to complete all necessary amendments to the electoral code of conducts as per the constitution by August.
If the EC held talks in this last phase of the government’s tenure, it could face pressure from different political parties; also, the dialogue would be insignificant if the main opposition BNP did not join it, the source added.
After the meeting, Election Commissioner Md Shah Newaz said the EC did not think there was any need for the dialogue with political parties and civil society on amending the electoral code of conduct.
“But the Election Commission is yet to discuss the matter at its meeting.”
The EC has prepared a primary draft of the electoral code of conduct, according to which, if the next general election is held under a partisan government, the prime minister as the chief of the party and 20 nominated ministers and/or state ministers would be able to participate in the polls campaigns.
According to the existing code, ministers, state minister and government officials of the same rank cannot participate in election campaigns.
As per the 15th amendment to the constitution, the national election must be held within 90 days after parliament is dissolved.
EC officials said the commission had asked them to finish preparing the draft electoral code of conduct by this month and complete the amendment by August so the preparation of holding next general elections can be started.
