The Election Commission (EC) is planning to hold the first phase of local government elections by the end of this year. The commission wants to announce the election schedule by September. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin has said that the schedule may be given in October if necessary.
The CEC came up with the information while talking to reporters at the election building after a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday (August 27th).
Nasiruddin said there are plans to start local government elections within this year. However, the commission has to take into account various factors, including the annual examinations, festivals, to determine the time of the election.
The start of the vote in December
The CEC said the EC will request the concerned authorities to ensure that the annual examinations are not held in November. It will be possible to start local government elections from December if the exams are held at other times instead of November.
He said the election commission is not always in the hands of the Election Commission. At the beginning of next year, due to the SSC examination, it is also being taken into account to schedule the local elections.
The Commission sought the cooperation of the President
The CEC said various issues, including the election, were discussed in the nearly forty-minute meeting with the president. The commission sought the president’s cooperation to make the local government elections credible, free and acceptable.
The CEC said the president assured the Election Commission of all possible support. He said the president is interested in institutionalizing the country’s democracy.
Preparations for the Thakurgaon-1 by-election
The CEC said the Election Commission is ready to hold the local government elections and by-elections for Thakurgaon-1 seat. The commission will soon hold a meeting with the law enforcement agencies ahead of the two elections.
The CEC said that the necessary procurement for holding the election has also been completed. The by-polls for Thakurgaon-1 seat will also have the opportunity to vote through postal ballots.
The Election Commission is aiming to start local government elections by the end of this year. However, the final voting schedule will be decided taking into account various factors, including the examination schedule, Durga Puja and next year’s SSC exam.