The Election Commission (EC) has hinted to consider rescheduling of the next 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) polls on condition of assurance by BNP and its allies’ participation.
Rashida Sultana, one of the EC members, came up with the discloser during a media briefing at the EC headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon on Monday.
The JS election is scheduled to be held on January 7, 2024.
"Inclusive elections are our aim and we will certainly take their participation into account," said EC member Rashida Sultana.
Asked about the possibility of negotiating the polls schedule upon the BNP's involvement, Rashida responded as saying, "If they decide to participate, the commissioners will convene to evaluate the legal aspects. Any decision will stem from that meeting. Further elaboration at this stage would be premature."
Hoping that the existing schedule won't necessitate alterations if opposition parties join the January 7 polls, she shared a willingness to extend the date ‘if necessary’.
Citing the 2018 election as a precedent, EC member Rashida highlighted the flexibility provided at that time for participating parties while adhering to the law in decision-making.
"As per my knowledge, some space was given to them when they decided to join the 2018 polls. We will do what is possible as per the laws," she said.
Urging all political entities to trust the electoral process, EC member Rasheda said, "Have faith in us. Participate in the elections. We guarantee an environment for free and fair polls where voters can freely choose their representatives.
"Voters will exercise their franchise freely. They will nominate whoever they want. Our commitment is to ensure a level playing field for all."
Regarding an appeal to President Mohammad Shahabuddin by Opposition Leader in the JS Roushan Ershad, also the chief patron of the main opposition in the parliament Jatiya Party, EC member Rashida Sultana declined to comment on it as saying that it is not the right time to address this question.
It should be mentioned that although most of the political parties are willing to take part in the next JS polls as per the Constitution, BNP and few other parties are demanding a caretaker government, which is unconstitutional and also rejected by the Supreme Court due to contradictory to Constitution.
Besides, all the parties willing to participate in the JS polls have already started sale of nomination forms to the aspirants amid festivity.
Meanwhile, the EC announced that the 12th JS polls be held on January 7. Political parties will be able to submit nominations for candidacies till November 30. The EC will scrutinise the nomination form from December 1-4. Appeals against the nominations can be submitted from December 6-5 and nominations need to be withdrawn by December 17.
Electoral symbols will be distributed among the political parties within December 18 and election campaign will officially kick off on the same day. The campaign duration will end at 8am on January 5.
