The Election Commission (EC) has taken zero tolerance to breaching of electoral code and conduct for holding the 12th Jatiya Sangsad polls in a free, fair and peaceful manner. The EC warned of taking stern action if anybody, particularly candidates violate electoral code of conduct.
However, reports of widespread violations of the election code of conduct have already surfaced throughout the country ahead of the general election slated for January 7. Incidents involving motorcades, celebratory processions, and banned gatherings are taking places in different places of the country, according to media reports.
Besides, attacks are also being launched on independent and some political parties’ candidates in different constituencies. It is feared that this trend of violation of electoral code of conduct may lead to an unruly atmosphere as the election approaches.
More than 150 candidates have been served show-cause notices by the election commission so far for breaching the electoral code of conduct ahead of the poll. So, the commission through the executive magistrates must hand down instant judgment against the candidates including their workers if any irregularities on electoral code of conducts are found by the courts.
Under section 18 of the electoral code of conduct, violation of election rules by aspiring candidates is punishable by six months’ jail or Tk 50,000 in fine or both. Even candidature can be cancelled if anyone is found involved in violence.
The commission has not taken any punitive action against the rule breakers yet. However, there are no weak or influential candidates in the field of election, all candidates are equal to the commission.
More than 150 candidates
have so far been served
show-cause notices by
the Election Commission so far
If the election commission does not take immediate action in this regard, the number of violators and violence will escalate rapidly. So, severe actions should be taken for repeated violations.
A total of 643 magistrates will be deployed in the next parliamentary election for handing down punishment of different offences two days ahead of the next general election and three days after the polls. However, the judicial magistrates have been appointed in the election probe committee. Magistrates can investigate the incident related to the violation of electoral code of conduct. They can only submit the report.
Candidates have already officially begun their campaigns from Monday after the allocation of the election symbols by returning officers across the country. So, the stage is set for the general election with the formal beginning of campaign.
The 12th general election is scheduled to take place on Jan 7, from 8 am to 4 pm. Candidates will wind down their campaigns by 8 am on Jan 5.
Therefore, until then, they will be tirelessly seeking votes door-to-door, and firing up the voters with election rallies, gatherings and processions.
There is a rules titled on ‘Code of Conduct of Political Parties and Candidates in the parliamentary elections, 2008’ to regulate election campaign for general and by-polls of the parliament. According to Section 5 of rules, political parties, nominated candidates or independent candidates have to follow the instructions mentioned in the Section 6 to 14 of the rules.
The candidates must follow the electoral code of conduct during campaign. If any candidate breaks the code of conduct, punitive steps must be taken him or her through proper probe.
We think a candidate who wants to be a parliament member will not breach the electoral code of conduct. And the candidates and their workers must abide by the electoral code of conducts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere on the eve of the country’s national election.
