The Election Commission on Sunday could not set a definite date for the announcement of the next parliamentary polls schedule amid flicker of hope for a dialogue between the rival political camps to resolve the political impasse.
Though the commission has supposedly completed all necessary preparations for the announcement, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and other election commissioners left the offices at around 6:45pm, after sitting for a number of informal meetings.
The CEC, however, told the media that the EC did not hold any meeting on polls schedule but might sit today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday).
“The EC would inform the media about the announcement of the elections schedule soon,” he said.
When asked if he would wait for a political consensus, the CEC said: “Everybody is waiting for a consensus.”
“A discussion is on among the political parties about the consensus. The whole country including us is observing the development,” he also said.
Kazi Rakibuddin said: “The EC has the constitutional responsibility to hold elections. The election must be held within the stipulated time allowed in the constitution.”
He said the commission would announce the polls schedule in due time in line with the constitution.
Sources at the EC, however, said they have all the preparations to announce the schedule. Following direction of the CEC, the commission would call a meeting. After the meeting, the CEC would announce the polls’ schedule for the next general elections.
EC sources also said the CEC would deliver a speech to the nation. At the commission meeting on Sunday, the EC has finalised draft of a 7-page speech of the CEC.
In his speech, the CEC would urge all political parties to participate in the next parliamentary elections. He would assure them about ensuring a level playing field.
The CEC would also talk about the commission’s expectations under the present political situation and would ask for the assistance of media for holding “credible and peaceful” elections.
The commission has also discussed whether Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami could participate in the polls or not. The commission also examined the High Court verdict cancelling Jamaat’s registration.
Meanwhile, security around the EC secretariat was beefed up on Sunday.
