Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad has expected cooperation from city corporation poll aspirants to stop the practice of using black money and muscle power in elections.
“If we find proof of such practice, we will take stern action against any candidate involved,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with mayoral and councillor candidates of Dhaka South City Corporation elections yesterday.
The meeting was held at Krishibid Institution in the capital.
The CEC asked the candidates to submit written complaints to returning officers if they find or face the ill practice.
“Anyone involved in this practice will face action regardless of his political identity,” he warned.
Rakibuddin assured the candidates that all necessary measures had been taken to hold the April 28 elections in a free and fair manner.
He also directed law enforcement officials not to harass any candidate without any specific allegation.
Responding to the demand of many candidates for military deployment during polls to ensure neutrality, the CEC said the final decision on whether it was a necessary step would be taken after the April 19 meeting with law enforcement agencies.
“After the end of voting, votes will be counted in the presence of polling agents, the press and election observers,” he added.
