Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain has said that a festive electoral environment must be ensured for the upcoming national elections to be free and fair.
He made these comments while exchanging views with an election fact-finding delegation of the European Union at the CCC office in Tiger Pass on Wednesday afternoon.
The delegation's chief representative, Senior Election Expert Ricardo Celeri was led by Head of Sector Reginald Swennen, Policy Officer, Frederic Schumann, Team Leader Mette Bakken, Legal Expert, Joachim Manuel Wally, Logistics Expert Terry Murray Pinto, and Security Expert Ian James Miller.
When the delegation asked the mayor for his personal opinion on what needs to be done to make the next national election fair, the mayor said, “Afestive atmosphere is essential for free and fair elections in my opinion. For this, 10 things must be ensured. That is, an independent and impartial Election Commission, that is, the Election Commission, must be free from political influence. Equal opportunities for all parties, that is, the ruling party will not use state resources, and the opposition parties must be allowed to campaign without fear.
He said, an accurate and inclusive voter list, that is, an updated and accurate voter list must be created so that minorities and marginalized communities are not left out. The impartiality of law enforcement, that is, the police, RAB, BGB, and all forces including the administration must remain apolitical. Their role will be to provide security, not to create fear. Free media and freedom of expression, that is, journalists must be able to cover the elections without fear. The media must be allowed to work independently.
He said, active civil society and observers, that is, domestic and foreign observers, must be ensured free access. Civil society Voter awareness and opportunity to report irregularities should be provided. A transparent electoral process, i.e. every step from nomination to vote counting, should be transparent. The impartiality of the judicial system, i.e. electoral disputes should be resolved quickly and impartially. Political goodwill and democratic culture, i.e. the ruling and opposition parties should demonstrate tolerance and peaceful behavior. Voter education and participation, i.e. voters should be made aware of their rights and the importance of voting. If these 10 issues can be ensured, a festive electoral environment will be ensured, which will result in a free and fair national election.
CCC Acting Chief Executive Officer Md. Ashraful Amin, Chief Education Officer Dr. Kissinger Chakma, Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman and Chief Accounting Officer Humayun Kabir Chowdhury were present at the time.
