The Election Commission will hold the next parliamentary election in the stipulated time frame as per the Constitution as there is no option, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Tuesday.
“I want to make it clear that the election will be held in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time. We are in a firm position in this regard to hold the next general election as per the Constitution,” he told reporters after a meeting with US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital.
“Elections will not be held if the environment is unfavourable, such misunderstanding should not exist in the people’s mind,” he also said.
The US ambassador wanted to know about the election environment and Awal said, “We made it clear to him that we have no option. The Election Commission has to conduct elections as per constitutional obligation and on time. Political parties have different options. They may or may not participate in elections. They can compete in 300 seats individually, and can also form alliances. There are various options for political parties, but the Election Commission has no such option,” he added.
However, Awal hoped that maximum political parties would participate in the elections and make the environment favourable.
Replying to a query, the CEC said “Peter Haas believes that political consensus is possible through dialogue. We have said it and we believe it. We do not think that showing power on the streets will solve the problem. Peter Haas agreed with us,” he also said.
“The US ambassador told us that the political parties should sit at one table and solve the problem over tea. Peter Haas will also call everyone, the prevailing political situation will be resolved through dialogue,” the CEC added.
Briefing the media, Peter Haas said that political parties will sit in dialogue unconditionally and find a way for free, fair and peaceful elections to resolve the political crisis.
The US ambassador said, “According to international standards, we want to see transparency and accountability in the elections.”
“Free, fair and peaceful elections are the responsibility of political parties, government, voters, law enforcement agencies, civil society, media and of course the Election Commission. Any reaction that undermines the democratic election process, exercise of voting rights, peaceful rallies, obstruction of internet use raises questions about the ability of free and fair elections,” he added.
“Political violence on any side has no place in democratic elections. I hope that all parties will move forward in an unconditional dialogue and find a way for free, fair and peaceful elections,” Haas added.
